9269 —פתגם הבעש"ט ועקרון המשמעת הצבאית

Shalom u'Vrachah! [Tevet, 5727]

Request at the mez (office): send a copy of the text for soldiers in Eretz HaKodesh, may it be built and established. The points: The saying of the Baal Shem Tov that every matter one sees etc. is a lesson in fulfilling one's role, all the more so something ongoing (that continues for some time).

The core of the army and its foundation is keba (fixed routine). Even with an intellectual order—one must not delay its fulfillment until he contemplates and understands it intellectually (for by doing so he could endanger the entire army and war)—rather, the main thing is 'naaseh' (action). This applies even to a soldier who is very wise in military tactics—action must come before understanding.

This holds true even if the commander is, G‑d forbid, handicapped and full of shortcomings etc., as long as he has 'semicha' (was appointed as commander) by the general-in-chief. As above, on fulfilling this depends the fate of the entire country. And if this applies to a flesh-and-blood commander, how much more so regarding Melech Malchei HaMelachim, Hakadosh Baruch Hu.

Printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 14 p. 295 (around 5729), completed according to a copy, and it is to Moreinu HaRav Moshe Sheyichyeh Feller. Saying of the Baal Shem Tov: see also above letter t'kent, and those referenced in notes there. Point of army: see also above vol. 14 letters d'tatkatz. Harela. Vol. 18 v'tatkav. Vol. 19 z'mab. Naaseh before nishma: see Shabbat 88a.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true obedience—acting before fully understanding—is essential both in military service and in serving G‑d, drawing from the Baal Shem Tov's insight that everything we encounter offers us guidance for our mission.