8342 —לימוד תורה, לימוד אחרים, וכוח המחשבה

B"H, 26 Shevat, 5722. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Tuesday.

a) Regarding studying our Torah's subjects—both the revealed part and Chassidus—if someone says this does not affect his daily routine, should one continue? It is surprising to doubt something so simple: the mitzvah of Torah study applies to every Jew—not only the righteous or intermediates but even those less so and even lower. On the contrary, we are assured that even a little light of Torah pushes away much darkness (the darkness of kelipot and sitra achra).

b) You wrote that perhaps these are "idealistic matters," so one should refrain from learning with such people. What could be more ideal than what is written: "Bereishis bara Elokim es hashamayim v'es haaretz" (In the beginning G‑d created the heavens and the earth), and likewise "Anochi Hashem Elokecha..." (I am Hashem your G‑d...). Certainly it is forbidden—even to doubt whether to teach these verses to so-and-so is not allowed—and this is clear.

c) To your question regarding what is written in Tanya chapter 29—that there it is above time and as if he sinned and became impure today literally (G‑d forbid)—seemingly according to this what difference does it make between auspicious times set for teshuvah according to our Torah's guidance throughout the year if it is as if he sinned today? In general this connection is unclear; after all, set times for teshuvah mean that then teshuvah is more accepted and easier. But truly there is no difficulty regarding the blemish either—for it is explained in Tanya there that "as if he sinned and became impure" refers to that level or world where his teshuvah has not yet reached or isn't sufficient for his current level; whereas in a level where he has already done complete teshuvah and it was accepted—this does not apply.

d) Regarding what is explained in some places that thought can help another person—is this only for people on a high level or also concerning every Jew? We can learn from our Sages' statement about lashon hara (evil speech) that "it kills three"—and this refers to every Jew. Thought is not far removed from speech; on the contrary, in some ways it helps and affects even more.

e) The way to correct the known matter in our times is through distraction—meaning not fighting with a bad thought but rather diverting one's mind from it by engaging one's mental power with something else. Best of all—in words of Torah and prayer; if a little light pushes away much darkness, how much more so a lot of light.

Blessings for good news in the name of the Rebbe shlita. S. M. Simpson, secretary.

P.S. Surely you know about—and keep—the three well-known daily lessons: Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya. At least keep them from now on.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every Jew must study Torah regardless of their spiritual state; teaching others remains vital even when results seem lacking. Redirecting thoughts rather than battling them directly brings success—especially by immersing oneself in Torah and prayer.