8057 —אחריות אישית בתורה ובחסידות בין אנ"ש

B"H, 11 Tammuz, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I have already told several of Anash that I am puzzled by their conduct over the last five years (though perhaps they acted this way before as well—I simply do not know). It is written and obvious in our holy Torah, the Torah of Life, that first and foremost every individual must be concerned with what he himself needs to do, especially regarding matters of Torah and mitzvos. Yet I see that their contemplation is only about what I should do. Every morning brings new wishes and all sorts of suggestions for how I might add to matters of Chassidus—such as saying maamarim, printing maamarim, printing sichos, innovations in Nigleh of Torah, communal activism, etc., etc.

Not only has it never occurred to anyone that perhaps he too should do something in these areas himself, but he even strengthens his own satisfaction: "I have fully done my duty since it is a wonderful suggestion—and if it is accepted then immediately the situation will be fixed," etc., etc., "and therefore I can return to my own affairs," etc., etc. When one considers the actions from Anash—it is a frightening thought.

Especially since surely each one knows the demand of our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe in his response to the righteous Reb Shmuel of Karlin: that every chossid must act himself—not as that person simply understood from "veTzaddik be'emunaso yichyeh" (and the righteous shall live by his faith) meaning "yichyeh" (he will live), but rather "yichyeh" (he should enliven). And if in the time of the Alter Rebbe they demanded not to rely on him to fulfill their obligations for them—how much more so in our times.

At first I judged favorably—as our Sages instruct—that this was due to strong faith. But then I saw that when it comes to family or material matters such as livelihood or health, their faith is not so strong; they do not rely on others but act themselves and even get others involved.

What I know from how things used to be—they would come with detailed proposals and ask for an opinion or blessing—and nothing more. All the rest—finding a suitable proposal and implementing it appropriately—was done by Anash friends, by those whose hearts are touched by Chassidus' explanation of "Ve'ahavta l'reiacha kamocha" (Love your fellow as yourself).

And during these five years—I have not merited to see such movement among baalei batim or among those who are connected.

I have elaborated on all this because now is an auspicious time when certainly there is no aspect of complaint—as explained in the sichah of my revered father-in-law (Torat Shalom p. 61) regarding Simchas Torah. The main thing is that since it is an auspicious time perhaps these words will have an effect now that they have entered both the world of speech and also action (in writing), and will lead to actual improvement of the situation. From this it is clear and simple that you are permitted to publicize this among suitable circles.

Summary

The Rebbe urges everyone to take personal responsibility for spiritual growth and communal action instead of relying solely on leaders or offering suggestions for others. Each person must actively participate in improving themselves and their community.