Igrot Kodesh · Letter 4560 — Faith & Bitachon

B"H

24 Tammuz 5716

Brooklyn

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem, Rav Shlomo,

Greetings and blessings,

I received your letter from Erev Shabbos*, which came after a long interruption. In it, you say nothing about your participation in public classes, or about the influence you exert on others to draw them toward Chassidus*, its customs and practices.

Spiritual tzedakah* intensifies the blessings of Hashem. Through it, one attains "a mind and heart refined a thousandfold." And the refinement of the heart has as its immediate consequence the improvement of conduct, even before the transformation of evil.

Following my previous letter, I await good news from you, particularly in this domain.

You mention the event (the accident) involving the diesel locomotive and its wagons (of which you are the conductor).

In accordance with a well-known saying of the Alter Rebbe*, one can derive from everything a lesson for the service of Hashem. If what occurred is not positive, one must deduce from it the proper attitude to adopt. This is how one rectifies an unfortunate event, and so it is in this case.

In the service of Hashem, the motor of the locomotive corresponds to the neshamah* (the divine soul), of which it is said: "The soul that You gave me is pure. As long as this soul is within me, I give thanks to You" — also through one's body and animal soul. In the personality, this corresponds to the intellect. And it is stated that "the intellect directs the emotions."

However, one cannot serve Hashem in the manner of the World of Tohu* — by striking and breaking. The Baal Shem Tov* emphasizes that "you shall surely help him" (referring to the body), as explained in the calendar HaYom Yom*, entry for 28 Shevat 5703, regarding the verse: "When you see the donkey..."

In the daily service of Hashem, one must not break the motor and detach the wagons. Of each day, it is said, "I will drive him out little by little." For this, one must practice the Torah*, the mitzvos*, and Chassidus. Regarding this, it is also said, "It is not in the heavens," and "The matter is very close to you," as the Alter Rebbe explains (in the Tanya*). The Torah is eternal. It is therefore so for every Jew, in every place where one may find oneself.

May Hashem grant you success in giving good news of all this and in influencing others in this matter. May you also raise your children to Torah, the chuppah*, and good deeds.

With my blessing,