8362 —כתיבה על מצבות, לימוד בישיבה, ונדרי צדקה

B"H, 14 Adar II, 5722. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After the longest interval, your letter was received, and in response to your questions:

According to what is explained in several books, one must be careful with the wording written on a tombstone (and generally regarding anything related to a soul already in the World of Truth), not to exaggerate, etc., and certainly not to write something that is not true—such as claiming lineage from a certain family if it is not so. From this it is also understood that if there is doubt, why enter into such uncertainties?

Regarding your writing about studying in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim—it is clear that there is no difference whether this was in Lubavitch or elsewhere; it is all the same. Likewise, in this case there is no difference regarding the length of study—whether it was a year or more—as our Sages said: Bar Bei Rav D'Chad Yoma (a student for even one day).

Regarding your writing about matters and similar things connected to me—it is surprising you ask, since according to the address you use when writing to me, that is also the address for other matters.

It is very distressing that you wrote about an interruption in the study of Chassidus. On the contrary: when a special situation arises that negatively affects one's emotional state, it is obvious that one should immediately increase in studying Chassidus—which is called by RaMa"M "the Tree of Life," where there are no matters from the Other Side at all—only life and the source of life. Certainly no further explanation is needed here.

To your question regarding charity—it seems you refer to what was vowed during illness—and because of illness. It is known from our Sages: "One's statement regarding something consecrated for Heaven is as binding as handing it over to an ordinary person," i.e., this has no connection with what heirs do for the merit and elevation of the soul or what they set aside from the estate for charitable purposes. Therefore, if Yeshivas Toras Emes approaches them regarding the estate and inheritance, this has no connection with fulfilling the aforementioned charity vow. This should be clear.

In conclusion, regarding your request to memorialize your father-in-law's name of blessed memory—I will certainly endeavor to do so as expected and obviously so.

And as we find ourselves in the months of Adar—whose essence are days about which it was said "VeNahafoch Hu" (it was turned around)—may it be G‑d's will that all undesirable matters be transformed from one extreme to another; and just as light surpasses darkness, may each individual experience immediately light and joy and gladness and honor—literally and plainly.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches carefulness with truthfulness on tombstones, clarifies yeshiva study's value regardless of place or duration, distinguishes between charity pledges made during illness versus after passing, and encourages increasing Chassidus study especially during challenging times.