9440 —תורת אדמו"ר הזקן, אחדות התורה וישראל, והוצאת ספר התניא

B"H, 24 Teves, 5728.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter... On the day of the passing (yahrzeit) of our holy master, the Alter Rebbe—at the time of his passing there is a revelation of the essence and root source at its highest level above all else, which then descends and illuminates from above to below all the toil that a person’s soul exerted in his lifetime—a supreme tzaddik serving Hashem with love and self-sacrifice for Hashem. Through this, Hashem’s kindness shines from world to world upon those who fear Him and brings salvation within the land. Every person is born for his own toil. Our master, the Alter Rebbe—true to his name and his toil—as stated by the Baal Shem Tov: his name Shneur means "two lights"—he illuminated both revealed Torah and hidden Torah. According to the principle (and law) that when two things are mentioned together in one phrase it indicates unity—even complete unity—it is understood here too that it refers to connecting and uniting these two lights because Torah is one. Each year when these days are properly recalled (as they should be), all these illuminations and influences are renewed. The body follows after the head; thus all those who study his Torah—both revealed Torah and inner Torah (Chassidus)—in this manner and strive to walk uprightly as he taught us from his ways and follow in his paths are uplifted.

And since "the Holy One, blessed be He, Torah, and Israel are bound together," each one hidden and revealed—it is understood that uniting hidden and revealed aspects of Torah is dependent on uniting hidden and revealed aspects of Israel; through both comes connection—so to speak—and unity between hidden and revealed aspects of G‑d Himself. Through this we connect and unify all creation with its soul—the light and word of Hashem that brings it into being, enlivens it, and sustains it. This is the service upon which all secrets of faith depend: "And you shall know today, and take it to your heart that Hashem is G‑d in heaven above and on earth below; there is none else."

Blessings,
M. Schneersohn

The letter was delayed until the tenth of Shevat—the day itself caused this—as it is also a yahrzeit day for our holy master—the eve of Shabbat Kodesh after midday.

On Yud Shevat (the yahrzeit), I received a Tanya printed in Australia (with a special dedication). I spoke with Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n who is involved with tzt"z with great energy—etc.—Reb Shneur Chaim HaKohen Gutnick—and it would be worthwhile for you to publish another edition of Tanya—a pocket format. Since now you are not pressed for time, you can certainly ensure that this new edition will be most beautiful in every detail (paper, printing, binding etc.). Although it is worthwhile to begin preparations immediately for printing a new edition, it is not advisable to publicize this until after most copies from the first edition have been sold. As my participation in this project I gave Rabbi Gutnick $101.

As usual regarding completion for the encyclopedia—see "Hiddur Mitzvah"—from what Admor Hazaken brings (Siddur Dinei Sukkah 3:6; Sifrei Naso 1:2): The verse "This is my G‑d and I will glorify Him" implies beautifying mitzvos as much as possible. So too writes Tanya about tallis etc.; see Maasef Lechol HaMachanot there.

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from Motzaei Shabbat Vayechi (and your note about what caused delay), which will be read at an auspicious time at Tziyun HaTzaddik. On the day of passing... Mazal tov blessings for your grandson's wedding—may he be successful.

I acknowledge receipt of your letter regarding your notes on Likkutei Biurim on Tanya. May your strength increase; many merit depends on you. On this yahrzeit... Blessings for success in publishing your aforementioned book—which will surely help spread Chassidus—and may you have good news regarding this.

Blessings for success in both Nigleh (revealed Torah) and Chassidus—and may you live with vitality.

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from [date] Teves regarding [matter]. Certainly you will continue writing details in future—and simply report reality as it is; thank you in advance. On this yahrzeit... Did you receive support for your institutions from Morocco? Blessings for great success in your network's institutions overall.

Summary

This letter highlights how connecting both dimensions of Torah—revealed and inner—is linked with uniting all Jews with their Divine source. It encourages excellence in spreading Chassidus through publishing Tanya while emphasizing honest communication about communal matters.