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Yoel Shapira is addressed in the Rebbe’s correspondence as a chassid residing in Calgary, recognized for his engagement with Chassidic teachings and his inquiries into profound concepts in Chabad philosophy.
The Rebbe’s letter to Yoel Shapira, dated 2 Shevat 5712 (1952), responds warmly to Shapira’s communication sent on the yahrzeit of the Alter Rebbe. The Rebbe expresses joy at Shapira’s satisfaction and well-being, and proceeds to elaborate on deep themes in Chassidus, referencing the Alter Rebbe’s discourse on the verse “Maskil l’Eitan haEzrachi.” The Rebbe discusses the essence of the soul (Etzem HaNeshamah), its connection to the Divine, and the mystical structure of the soul’s levels as explained in Chassidic sources.
The letter addresses the transformative power of mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) and the unique vitality and health bestowed upon a Jew when the soul’s strength—eitan—is revealed. The Rebbe encourages Shapira regarding the accessibility of Chassidic teachings, noting that the Rebbeim have revealed even the deepest concepts in a manner that can be understood by all, emphasizing the importance of proper attention and study.
In response to Shapira’s question about the Chassidic explanation of the Midrashic phrase “G-d desired a dwelling in the lower worlds,” the Rebbe clarifies that such Divine desire is fundamentally beyond human comprehension. He explains that, since intellect and reason are themselves created entities, it is impossible to ascribe a reason to G-d’s primordial desire, which preceded all creation. The Rebbe references classic Chassidic sources to support this point, underscoring the limitations of human analogy in understanding the Divine.
Throughout the correspondence, the Rebbe’s tone is encouraging, scholarly, and pastoral—offering both intellectual clarity and personal blessings for Shapira’s continued growth in Torah, mitzvos, and the inner light of Chassidus.