8812 —סיום על אגרת התשובה, לימוד תורה, והוראת פסח שני

B"H, 7 Iyar 5724. Brooklyn.

To the esteemed participants in the study of Sefer Tanya Kadisha at the Shaarei Tefillah synagogue in Toronto—may Hashem be upon you for life—Shalom u'Vrachah!

It is with pleasure that I learned about the siyum of the third part of Sefer Tanya, which is Iggeres HaTeshuvah, taking place on Sunday, Parshas Emor etc., “VeAmarta,” Pesach Sheni.

May it be G‑d’s will that, as with every matter of completion in Torah—finishing any topic in our Torah, especially when done publicly—this should lead to an increase in Torah study. This includes not only more learning but also greater vitality and light in this learning. The increase brought by those who study is assured to us in such matters. As stated at the conclusion and seal of Iggeres HaTeshuvah: "A person sanctifies himself a little below—they sanctify him greatly above." Not only that, but it adds explanation: as mentioned earlier etc., regarding the level of Sovev Kol Almin (the encompassing light), meaning that the sanctification from above is not only much greater in quantity but also in quality—and even more so: it is incomparable; there is no comparison between Sovev Kol Almin and Memale Kol Almin (the filling light).

And from what follows immediately after: "And so it is exactly regarding reward etc.," it is understood that all this also applies regarding the reward for this mitzvah—the reward both in the World to Come and in this world—for Torah study is among those things whose fruits one eats in this world while the principal remains for the World to Come.

As is customary from time immemorial to connect weekly matters with the weekly Torah portion: It is known that our Sages expound on the verse “Emor VeAmarta” (Say and say again), to warn adults concerning minors. Just as there are states of greatness and smallness in the world at large, so too there are parallels within each person—the “small world.” In every person there exists their own greatness and smallness: greatness refers to intellect in the mind and feeling in the heart; smallness refers (even down) to action. A person is commanded that their greater aspect should guide their lesser aspect—as our Sages warn that learning must be for the sake of action. Even more so: great is learning (and its main greatness) because it leads to action.

All of this also contains a lesson from Pesach Sheni. As explained by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, leader of Israel: "The essence of Pesach Sheni is: nothing is ever lost; one can always correct—even someone who was impure or far away or even 'for you'—if it was by choice; nevertheless, one can repair if they truly desire." Moreover, there are no time limitations here—unlike Pesach Rishon which lasts seven days—for teshuvah can happen instantly, in a single moment; one does not move from their place until they are forgiven—even becoming pleasing and beloved before Him etc.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that completing a section of Torah should inspire further growth and deeper engagement. The lesson of Pesach Sheni reminds us it's never too late to improve or correct our actions if we truly desire change—growth and return are always possible.