9831 —עשרים שנה לאחר ההסתלקות, ירושת רוחו ומשימתו של הרבי

B"H, Greetings and blessings! The 30th of Shevat, which is Rosh Chodesh Adar Rishon, 5730.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter.

At the beginning of the period of twenty years and more since the passing—the yahrzeit—of our holy teacher and Rebbe, leader of our generation: after a histalkus (passing), it is generally very easy for his students (including all who follow the straight path he taught us) to receive their portion from the level of their Rebbe's spirit—his essence—not just his radiance. This is because it is not confined within a vessel nor in a physical place. And after twenty years or more—it is said in Chazal that from age twenty one becomes recognized as an inheritor of his father's property (and Chazal say: students are called sons and the teacher is called father). According to the Alter Rebbe's explanation on this teaching—it is understood that from then on there is an increase in vitality, desire, pleasure, and good deeds that come as a result. This is what is required at this auspicious time: to make an honest accounting of all activities during these twenty years since the histalkus—activities in accordance with the demands of the one whose yahrzeit it is during his lifetime in this world—in all three pillars upon which both the world at large and "this small world," man himself, stand: Torah; Avodah (that is prayer); and Gemilus Chasadim (mitzvos)—with the intent to complete what was lacking and to add and elevate from here onward. This begins with Torah study (both Nigleh and Chassidus), preceded by prayerful service, concluding with mitzvah observance—good deeds that shine. All these should be done with mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice—that is will), with joy, vitality, and chassidic light.

May it be G‑d's will that all this be fulfilled in actual deed and with great success—until it can be tangibly seen—in the words of the one whose yahrzeit it is: "Ashreinu ma tov chelkeinu b'avodas halev u'ma na'im goraleinu b'avodas hamoach u'ma yafa yerushaseinu lir'os u'lehargish Elokus b'chol davar u'leshalem hakavanah ha'elyonah la'asos lo yisbarach dira ba'tachtonim" ("How fortunate are we—how good is our portion in service of the heart; how pleasant our lot in service of the mind; how beautiful our inheritance—to see and feel G‑dliness in everything and to fulfill the ultimate purpose: making for Him a dwelling place below").

Blessings, M. Schneersohn

I acknowledge receipt of your previous letter as well as your recent telegram; I mentioned you today at the Tziyun... Blessings for health and success in your matters (especially—in your efforts against those mistaken ones who claim that a bitter, dark exile full of sacrifices for Bnei Yisrael is "the beginning of redemption." May G‑d save us from them and their followers; may He forgive their error in His abundant mercy; henceforth let them call darkness darkness—and through this merit to see and declare light as light. May you succeed also in this), as well as success in all aforementioned matters.

With respect and blessings for great success in expanding Beis HaKnesses-Beis HaMidrash tzt"z in your city and may we merit [the coming] speedily in our days.

In all matters regarding the wedding at Shtomotz—as they will discuss among themselves.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that after twenty years since a tzaddik's passing, students inherit not just inspiration but spiritual essence. He urges honest self-accounting and renewed dedication to Torah study, prayer, mitzvos, chassidus—and to do so with joy, vitality, self-sacrifice, bringing G‑dliness into daily life.