8987 —סיום אגרת הקדש, צדקה, ודרך להשראת השכינה

B"H, Eve of Shabbat, Eve of Shavuos. Brooklyn, NY. The time of the giving of our Torah – 5725.

To the esteemed participants in the celebration of the completion of Iggeres HaKodesh by our master the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya – a decisor in the hidden dimension of Torah – and Shulchan Aruch – a decisor in the revealed dimension of Torah – may Hashem be upon them and grant them life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive news regarding the completion of Sefer HaTanya by our master the Alter Rebbe – specifically the section Iggeres HaKodesh. Even though this section was added to Tanya after the passing of our master the Alter Rebbe, it was included by "the sons of the genius author z"l n"a," and those who first signed were his sons, including our master Admor HaEmtza'i, his successor. It is well known that the phrase "his successor" means that he filled his place entirely as before.

The content at the end of Iggeres HaKodesh (Siman 32) discusses the virtue of charity given through a person's own initiative (which comes) from an awakening of love for Hashem during Krias Shema—to cleave to Him and give over one's soul in Echad and with all one's might literally etc.—in which "the end is bound up with its beginning" (Iggeres HaKodesh Siman Aleph), which also discusses intention in prayer from deep within one's heart etc., up to self-nullification etc. However, at its beginning it speaks about starting prayer's effect regarding spiritual matters—strengthening and fortifying one's intellect contemplating G‑d's infinite greatness and emotions of awe and love for Hashem—and afterwards this extends even to material matters—actual charity in this physical world.

This fits with what is ruled in Shulchan Aruch regarding each person's daily order: from synagogue (prayer) one goes to Beis Midrash (Torah study), then proceeds to business; business dealings must be conducted so that they are a dwelling for His presence by giving charity from one's earnings. This charity elevates all that one has earned, as explained by our master the Alter Rebbe.

This entire order is also hinted at in our Sages' teaching on the verse: "They go from strength to strength; he will appear before G‑d in Zion," a teaching which our master the Alter Rebbe brought as practical law: "Anyone who leaves synagogue for Beis Midrash to learn merits seeing the Divine Presence." The way and vessel for receiving the Divine Presence is explicit in Scripture: "I will behold Your face through righteousness," and as Iggeres HaKodesh concludes here: "Righteousness will go before him," drawing down supernal countenance into this world.

This order is continuous without rest or interruption; every day during times of mercy and favor—prayer—their souls pour out like water before Hashem through service of prayer from deep within their hearts up to self-nullification. This resembles a field on a mountain (on Hashem's mountain it will be seen) that must always be watered. Therefore our Sages taught that throughout all six days—the six thousand years that are this world—it must be watered until comes Shabbos, a day that is entirely Shabbos and rest for He Who lives eternally.

With honor and blessing in traditional language: just as you completed this section so may you begin other tractates and books—to complete them as well—to learn and teach, observe, do, and fulfill.

And with blessing—in my father-in-law's words—for receiving the Torah with joy and inwardness.

Summary

The letter teaches that prayer leads to Torah study which leads to charitable action; together these draw down G‑dliness into daily life. Completing one section inspires us to begin new learning with joy, integrating spiritual growth into practical deeds.