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Chaim Shtaiman was a correspondent of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known for his active support in the publication of Chassidic works and for his involvement in communal mitzvah initiatives. The Rebbe’s letters to Shtaiman reflect appreciation for his generosity and encouragement for his role in spreading the teachings of Chassidus.
The Rebbe’s letters to Chaim Shtaiman center on Shtaiman’s significant contributions toward the printing of the works of the Rebbe’s father-in-law, the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, as well as his efforts in organizing and supporting communal mitzvah meals and charitable activities. The Rebbe expresses gratitude for Shtaiman’s financial support, particularly highlighting his role in enabling the publication of Sefer HaSichos and other Chassidic texts, which bring spiritual light to Jewish homes worldwide.
In his correspondence, the Rebbe assures Shtaiman that he and his wife are mentioned in prayer at the resting place of the Previous Rebbe, invoking blessings for health, peace of mind, and joy. The Rebbe emphasizes that Shtaiman’s involvement in spreading Torah and Chassidus is a source of merit, drawing light and warmth into his own home, and encourages him to continue opening his heart and mind through study and prayer.
The Rebbe’s tone is warm and encouraging, offering both practical advice and spiritual guidance. He urges Shtaiman to maintain a positive outlook, to view others with a “good eye,” and to recognize his own areas for growth—a perspective illustrated by a teaching from the Previous Rebbe about using one’s right eye to see the virtues of others and the left eye to see one’s own shortcomings. The Rebbe also connects Shtaiman’s acts of charity and communal leadership to the promise of divine blessing, referencing the Talmudic teaching that tithing leads to wealth and abundance, and assures him that his participation in communal mitzvah meals and tzedakah will serve as a channel for all good things.
Thanks to Chaim Shtaiman’s generosity, the Rebbe notes that the publication of Sefer HaSichos was made possible, with hopes that its release would coincide with the auspicious date of Yud-Tes Kislev, a significant day in Chassidic history. The Rebbe keeps Shtaiman informed of the progress of the printing and expresses his hope that this milestone will bring merit and blessing to Shtaiman and his household, especially as the new year approaches.