10743 —המשמעות העמוקה של שנים אוחזין בטלית והעלאת הגשמי

B"H, Rosh Chodesh Nisan, 5733.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In due time and pleasantly I received the volumes of Likkutei Sichos on the weekly Torah portion. May it be G‑d's will that these words have their intended effect, in accordance with our Sages' saying: "Action is the main thing," meaning there should be increased strength and beauty in the practical fulfillment of mitzvos in daily life.

Certainly, for your esteemed selves, it is unnecessary to elaborate on the great merit of one who acts and brings action in all matters of our Torah—Torah of Life—and its mitzvos, about which it is said: "And you shall live by them." It is known in Chassidus (as brought in Kuntres Limud HaChassidus p. 20) regarding the sugya of Shnayim Ochazin B'Tallit ("Two are holding a tallit"): Tallit refers to an encompassing light, which is the good spark found within a physical thing. When two people perform a mitzvah with something physical, they thereby refine the good spark that was captured and held within that material object; those performing the mitzvah redeem this spark from captivity and bring it out from exile. Furthermore, even the very body and essence of that physical matter becomes refined from its coarseness so that through it—and by means of it—the ultimate Divine intent in creating a physical world is fulfilled.

When the souls who performed the mitzvah in this world come to the World of Truth (Olam HaEmes), both hold onto the tallit—which is "Priso d'Malka," i.e., the spark that was within that physical thing—since through their fulfillment of the mitzvah, that physicality was refined and its spark elevated. This is "Shnayim Ochazin B'Tallit": one says "I found it," meaning through his service he refined that spark; while the other says "I found it," meaning through his effort and toil he caused that material to become refined and a vessel for G‑dliness. Each claims "the whole is mine." From this we learn how one's service in refining and elevating should be such that each comes to his reward according to his manner of service.

May you receive blessings characteristic of these days—to do all mentioned above in a manner of freedom from all distracting matters, especially as our Sages taught: "You have no free person except one who occupies himself with Torah."

Blessings for a kosher and joyous Pesach holiday and for good tidings in all mentioned above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that performing mitzvos with physical objects refines both matter and soul, elevating hidden sparks. True spiritual freedom comes from Torah study and practical mitzvah observance, especially during Pesach—a time for liberation from distractions.