Igrot Kodesh · Letter 540 — Two Levels of Teshuvah in Chassidus

By the grace of Hashem,

8 Marcheshvan* 5710,

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

Rav A.[1],

I greet you and bless you,

I have duly received your letter. I thank you for your good wishes. May you likewise be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year.

You ask me a question about Chassidus*: How is the concept of Teshuvah* to be understood within the framework of Chassidus*? Is it solely a return from transgression to virtue, or is there something deeper?

Here is my response:

In Chassidus*, Teshuvah* is far more than a simple return from transgression. It is a return to Hashem Himself. The term Teshuvah* derives from the word Shuv*, return. One returns to Hashem, to the source of the soul.

According to the Tanya*, chapter 1, the soul of every Jew is 'a part of Hashem from above.' Teshuvah* is therefore the return of this divine portion to its source. This is why Teshuvah* possesses such power — it reconnects man to his divine essence.

Furthermore, Chassidus* teaches that there are two levels of Teshuvah*:

A) Lower Teshuvah*: this is the return after transgression — remorse and the resolution not to repeat it.

B) Higher Teshuvah*: this is a level at which one has not necessarily committed a transgression, but one desires to draw yet closer to Hashem. It is a constant aspiration toward Hashem.

Wishing you all the best and with my blessings,

M. Schneerson,

Director of the Executive Committee[2].