Igrot Kodesh · Letter 1124 — Tzedakah

By the grace of Hashem,

4 Menachem Av 5711,

Brooklyn,

Greetings and blessings,

During these Nine Days[1], all recall the statement of our Sages, according to which the Beis HaMikdash* was destroyed because of "sinas chinam*"[2] — because one did not love one's fellow without being able to explain why, without foundation.

We all desire to leave the exile (galus*) as quickly as possible. Now, such a situation can be repaired through "ahavas chinam* (gratuitous love)." One must therefore love one's fellow without reason, even if he brings nothing to the people of Yisrael, if he does no good to anyone, if it is not easy to put into practice in his regard the precept "V'ahavta l'reiacha kamocha (you shall love your fellow as yourself)"[3], because he can hardly be called "your fellow." This man does not study Torah, does not practice mitzvos*. Yet, in spite of all this, one must love him without reason.

Such conduct enables one to suppress the cause of the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash and of the galus. Each Jew can thus illuminate the place where he is and consequently the part of the world entrusted to him. The light is thereby increased, and at the end, the entire galus will be luminous. Then, we will merit the complete and true geulah*, very soon, through our righteous Mashiach*.

With my blessing that you may have a good summer, materially and spiritually,