Igrot Kodesh · Letter 4933 — Chinuch

B"H

14 Kislev* 5717

Brooklyn

To the distinguished chassid* who fears Hashem and devotes himself to communal needs, of multiple accomplishments and good conduct,

Rav Zeev (see note 1),

Greetings and blessings,

In addition to the news I receive about you and all the other members of Shuvah Yisrael (see note 2) through the letters you write to the chassidim*, I was particularly pleased that you wrote to me in order to convey the good news of the strengthening of Torah* study, for the young and for the adults.

May Hashem grant that you accomplish, without difficulty, the Will of the Creator, by disseminating Jewish values, Torah*, and mitzvos* in ever-widening and more numerous circles — all the more so as we are approaching the days of Chanukah*, those of miracles and wonders. May these be fulfilled, according to the formula we employ (see note 3), as "in those days, at this time."

This is particularly true for all who are connected to the Baal Shem Tov*, to his disciple, the great Maggid* (see note 4), and to his student and successor, the Alter Rebbe*, author of the Tanya* and the Shulchan Aruch*, whose liberation following his imprisonment we will celebrate at the end of this week, on Yud-Tes Kislev*. On this day, one can obtain from Hashem specific help in all that concerns Torah* and mitzvos*.

Indeed, the Mitteler Rebbe*, son of the Alter Rebbe*, reported the following ruling, which was issued by the Heavenly Court: Because the Alter Rebbe* gave of himself for Chassidus*, it was decided that in all matters concerning Torah*, the fear of Hashem, and good conduct, those connected to him and following his way would prevail.

I would be grateful if you would convey my blessing, on the occasion of the festival of liberation, to each of the members of Shuvah Yisrael, so that they too may very soon report their successes in the dissemination of Torah*, Judaism, and Chassidus*, so that these values reach the outermost.

I enclose a brochure on Yud-Tes Kislev* and I hope you will make its contents available to as many as possible. The merit of all depends on you.

With blessing on the occasion of the festival of liberation and with greetings to all the members,