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Rabbi Yeshaya HaLevi Horowitz was a rabbinic figure based in Winnipeg, as indicated by the correspondence addressed to him by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The Rebbe refers to him with honorific titles, reflecting his status as a respected rabbi and chassidic scholar.
The letter from the Rebbe to Rabbi Horowitz, dated 12 Teves, 5712 (1952), addresses both personal and scholarly matters. The Rebbe acknowledges receipt of a pan (petitionary note) sent through Rabbi Horowitz and apologizes for the delay in his response. The main content of the letter is a scholarly discussion regarding the concept of the Bat Kol (Heavenly Voice) and how it is perceived by one's mazal (spiritual source), a topic raised by Rabbi Horowitz in his previous communication.
The Rebbe engages with Rabbi Horowitz’s citation of various sources, including Likkutei Torah, the Baal Shem Tov, Shnei Luchot HaBrit, and Sefer Charedim. He clarifies that while earlier sources discuss the Bat Kol being heard by a person's mazal, the Baal Shem Tov provides a deeper and more essential explanation. The Rebbe references additional works such as Tanya (Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah), Midrash Tehillim, and a talk from Kuntres Chai Elul 5703 to further elucidate the point.
The tone of the correspondence is scholarly and respectful, reflecting a relationship grounded in mutual esteem and a shared commitment to the study of Chassidus. The Rebbe's response demonstrates his attentiveness to Rabbi Horowitz’s questions and his dedication to providing thorough and thoughtful guidance on matters of Torah and Chassidic philosophy.