9123 —ברכות פסח, שמחה בתשובה, והדרכה בענינים אישיים

B"H, 11 Nissan 5726.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 6th of Nissan and thank you for the good news it contained. As we approach Pesach, the Festival of our Freedom, which is coming upon us and all Israel for good, I hereby express my blessing for a kosher and joyous holiday and for true freedom—freedom from material worries and spiritual concerns—from anything that hinders serving Hashem with joy and gladness of heart. May this freedom and joy continue throughout the entire year.

Especially since serving Hashem, as commanded in our Torah of life, encompasses all aspects of a person’s life and spans the entire day and night, as it is said: "Bechol Derachecha Da'eihu" (In all your ways know Him). The enclosed is attached to your letter.

With abundant blessings for great success in your most elevated endeavor and with holiday blessings to each individual and their families.

M. Schneersohn

* * *

Your letter from Motzaei Shabbos Shemini has been received. In response to your questions:

1) The possibility of simchah shel mitzvah (joy of a mitzvah) also in the mitzvah of teshuvah—see Tanya chapter 31 (and elsewhere): "not to mix or confuse the joy of the soul with the sadness of the body." Therefore, all mitzvos are equal in this regard. The advantage in the joy of the mitzvah of teshuvah over other mitzvos is explained there: "And there is no greater joy than being released from exile..."—this is the essence of teshuvah, unlike other good deeds. The advantage that is incomparable to other mitzvos—immediately upon contemplating that teshuvah is infinitely higher than other mitzvos (for the halachic ruling is that even if one was a complete rasha but immediately thinks thoughts of teshuvah he becomes a complete tzaddik), so too is its joy. This cannot be elaborated here.

2) It is obvious that one should also put on Rabbeinu Tam tefillin. See Shaar HaKolel (on this topic) at the end of chapter 11 where this is discussed at length.

3) Regarding where to live after marriage in Shtumotz—based on your letters—the preference is Bnei Brak.

* * *

Regarding your writing about paying attention to your wife—that actions have been taken (and are still being taken)—you are certainly correct in your personal calculation; however, in this matter there is another crucial point: paying attention (with both "beis") has special importance as a remedy (for both soul and body together), so it must be measured by medical standards specifically (in addition to the fact that matters of the heart and measurement do not always align). Certainly for someone like you further elaboration is unnecessary. May He Who heals all flesh send a complete recovery to your wife.

* * *

It is obvious that your plans are good—and may you finally find a receptive ear among Anash in your community. However, it is even more obvious that when others’ activity is lacking—even temporarily—it increases your own responsibility (and merit), so you must be even more enthusiastic about it—the opposite conclusion from what you wrote!

The sending was delayed; also received was your letter from 11 Nissan with its enclosures (newspaper clippings—your articles), thank you for the nachas ruach. General-particular; here is copied the form sent to the Generator Committee in Kfar Chabad. See above letter #590 and its notes there.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages embracing true freedom during Pesach by serving Hashem with joy throughout all aspects of life. He highlights the unique joy found in teshuvah compared to other mitzvos, offers practical advice on tefillin and living arrangements, and stresses personal responsibility alongside communal support.