Igrot Kodesh · Letter 318 — Broadening Torah Study — Depth Over Breadth

By the grace of Hashem,

12 Tevet 5708,

To the great Rav, Chassid* fearing Hashem, Rav N. Ch. Sasonkin[1],

I greet and bless you,

I received your letter confirming that the books for the communities[2] had duly reached you. As you request, three more copies of the memoirs[3] have been sent to you, in order to transmit them to the other communities. You will also confirm having received them.

You have no doubt distributed these books among the communities so that the greatest number may consult them, as I said when I was in Paris[4]. I will be glad to know whether you have broadened, externally, the circle of those who study these books.

The 'external' is understood here in the dimensions of space[5], time[6], and the person[7], to which only dissemination can bring elevation[8].

One may question this upon consulting the Tana DeBei Eliyahu Rabbah*, at the beginning of chapter 21, which comments on the verse (Yirmiyahu 5): 'They wandered outside Jerusalem.' It says indeed: 'The outside alludes to the synagogue and the house of study.' This term must no doubt be systematically interpreted according to its context. In any case, this is not the place for this discussion.

Enclosed you will find the reply for Mrs. Golenbowich, who in her letter indicated your address to me. Please forgive me for imposing upon you in this manner.

I conclude by wishing you all the best and by greeting you,

Rav Menachem Schneerson

Enclosed you will find the fascicle published for 19 Kislev*.

Notes

[1] Rav Nachum Shmaryahu Sasonkin, formerly Rav of Batum and who was then in Paris. See letter no. 286.

[2] Of Chabad* Chassidim* who had left Russia and taken refuge in Paris.

[3] Of the Previous Rebbe.

[4] A year earlier, when the Rebbe had come to meet his mother, who was then leaving Russia.

[5] Study in new places.

[6] Study at new times.

[7] Study with other people. The word cited in the text by the Rebbe is Achan*, smoke, composed of the initials of Olam*, space, Shanah*, time, and Nefesh*, soul. This smoke alludes to that of the incense offering performed by the High Priest — perfection of the soul — in the Sanctuary — perfection of space — on Yom Kippur* — perfection of time.

[8] The Rebbe notes at the bottom of the page: 'See tractate Sota 44a, according to which the preparation of work outside alludes to the Oral Torah*, which is revealed in this material world.'

שיח

ב"ה י"ב טבת תש"ח
הרה"ג הוו"ח אי"א נו"מ וכו' מהורנ"ש שי'

סאסאנקין

שלום וברכה!

מכתבו אישור קבלת חבילת ספרים בשביל הקיבוץ הגיעני, וע"פ הצעתו נשלחו עוד שלשה טופסים של הזכרונות לחלקם בשאר הבתים, ובטח יאשר הקבלה.

בודאי סידרו הספרים בקיבוצים באופן שרבים יכולים להשתמש בהם, וכמו שדברתי בהיותי בפאריז, ואשמח לשמוע אם עלתה בידם להרחיב חוג הלומדים בהם גם חוצה, היינו עש"נ שבחוצה שרק ע"י הפצת מעינותיך יש להעלותם* - וצע"[ק] מתדבא"ר רפכ"א (עה"פ ירמי' ה: שוטטו בחוצות ירושלים) אין חוצות אלא בכנ"ס וביהמ"ד. ואולי הוא בכ"מ לפי ענינו ואכ"מ.

מוסג"פ מכתב למרת גאלענבוויטש - כי במכתבה ציינה את כתבת כת"ר, ואתו הסליחה על הטרחא.

החותם באיווי כט"ס ובפ"ש.

הרב מנחם שניאורסאהן
מוג"פ הקונ' ליט"כ.

שיח
מהעתק המזכירות.

הרה"ג.. סאסאנקין : אגרת נוספת אליו - לעיל רפו.

הקיבוץ : עדת חב"ד הניצולים מרוסי' שהסתדרו לפי שעה בפריז.

עש " נ : עולם שנה נפש.