8238 —על הופעת באר החסידות והשפעת החסידות

B"H, 9th of Marcheshvan, 5722.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It was with pleasure that I received the news that the tenth volume of your series "Baer HaChassidus" has already been published and sent to me; it will surely arrive in the coming days. Thank you for your attention in sending it to me.

I was also very pleased to learn that a committee has been established to organize a gathering in your honor in connection with the publication of your aforementioned books. This shows that your work is appreciated.

My hope is that this event will also reveal appreciation and admiration for the essence of Chassidus—its depth, preciousness, and especially its way of life. The main point and emphasis of Chassidus is the "therefore," which is expressed in a lifestyle consistent with its conclusions and purpose: to make for Him, may He be blessed, a dwelling place specifically in the lower realms. As emphasized by the Baal HaTanya, this refers to this physical and material world itself—there is nothing lower than it—which is called Olam HaAsiyah (the World of Action). Therefore, its rectification is also through action, as our Sages said: action is primary, and great is study that leads to action.

Especially in our times, this emphasis cannot be overstated—as the Alter Rebbe elaborates at length in Tanya chapters 36 and 37.

It should be particularly noted—the sacred letter (printed in Iggeres HaKodesh section of Tanya, Siman 20, beginning "Ihu veChiyuyei Chad Ihu veGarmohi Chad"), which our master the Alter Rebbe wrote "in the days before his passing in the village of Piena" (in the words of his grandson and successor—the Admor tzt"z), in the language of one of his greatest students Reb Avraham of Strashale: "He wrote before his passing n"a on Or HaChaim." Its point is to explain the great value of practical mitzvos, which are the purpose for souls descending into this physical world.

May it be G‑d's will that you see good fruit from your labor mentioned above—that is, that reading and studying your books will have a noticeable effect on readers' minds; from Chabad (intellect) in their minds—to emotion and character traits in their hearts; so that all limbs behave accordingly—in line with our Sages' style mentioned above—to make a dwelling place for Him may He be blessed; to do His will wholeheartedly. And through "Baer HaChassidus," they will come to carve out wells capable of holding "the water" coming from a source of living waters. The merit of many depends on him.

Summary

The Rebbe celebrates both scholarship and practical impact—teaching that true appreciation for Chassidus means letting its teachings shape daily life and actions. Torah study should inspire real change within ourselves and those we influence.