8582 —יום ההילולא של רבנו הזקן והשפעת תורתו המתמדת

B"H, 24 Teves, 5723.

Brooklyn, NY.

The day of the hilulah (yahrzeit) of our master the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from 12 Teves with the pan to be read at an auspicious time at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal nishmaso Eden—regarding whether in such matters things return each year to their original state as they were at first: all the more so when the timing aligns with this, both regarding days of the week and parsha of the week. According to the well-known saying and instruction of our master, whose hilulah it is: one must live with the parsha of the week and parsha of each day. This fits with what his sons wrote zatzal nishmaso Eden—that at his passing he became bound in a single bond with G‑d. And it is known in our Torah that "after the head goes, so goes the body."

And even though who can dare approach or attain even a thousandth part of his level? Even in revealed halachos that are accessible to us and our children—as between holy and mundane so are his ways above ours—how much more so in hidden matters belonging to G‑d our L‑rd: those are awe and love in mind and heart. Nevertheless, a mere edge or trace from his great goodness and light shines forth; for when he passed away this increased beyond what was during his lifetime—especially for those who wish and resolve to walk on his upright path which he taught us.

This single bond with G‑d will have an effect on everyone's service in mind and heart—that is, primarily prayer—and thereby also in Torah study and mitzvah observance. For prayer is like a spinal cord that supports all these things, as explained at length in the teachings of today's hilulah's master.

May all this be together with blessing also in worldly matters—with health, joy, and gladness of heart.

With blessing for good news in general and particular.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that on the yahrzeit of a tzaddik like the Alter Rebbe, his spiritual influence renews itself yearly. By connecting to his teachings—especially through prayer, Torah study, and living with each week's parsha—we draw down blessings both spiritually and materially.