Igrot Kodesh · Letter 5568 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem*,

1 Tammuz* 5717,

Brooklyn,

I greet you and bless you,

I respond to your letter of 24 Sivan*, in which you write that you often wonder whether the value of things is diminished because all of it comes from... (note: because the study of Torah is not entirely disinterested).

You know the teaching of our Sages that a person may study Torah in an interested manner, for it is thus that eventually he will do so in a disinterested manner. If this is true in general, how much more so when a person pauses on this idea, meditates upon it and is moved by it. In this way, he more easily arrives at acting in a disinterested manner, even if, initially, another motivation also intervened. Moreover, there may even be a doubt (note: about the presence of this other motivation) in the matter.

And the essential point, for the future, is the remembrance of the Mishnah* affirming: "The act is essential," or, in the formulation of the holy Zohar*: "The act is superior." It is certainly important to meditate upon all of this, to take a moral accounting. But one knows the image (note: see letter no. 4017) of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit* protects us, according to which a merchant who, at every moment, would abandon his business to take stock of what has transpired, comparing income to expenses, would not advance his enterprise — on the contrary. So it is at every moment.

When you become a friend and draw profoundly close to the youth of the Chabad* association and the students of the Yeshivah* in your surroundings, when you take the decision to remove the barriers that have their source in a different education received during childhood, this indirect closeness — added to the direct instructions you will receive from them, from time to time — will guide your path and behavior in the proper direction, that is, toward a Chassidic* way of life, daily and not only during Shabbos*, the festivals and exceptional situations. Gradually, this will become easier for you and, if you truly desire it, the saying will be fulfilled for you that habit becomes a second nature.

It is difficult to give advice in this matter from a distance. Nevertheless, human nature establishes that a radical change, visible to all, makes the profound modifications and acclimatization to a new environment easier. One can thus, in a Yiddish expression, "burn the bridge behind oneself." For you, this could be the wearing of a beard. You will also consult the notes of the Tzemach Tzedek*, printed in the addenda to his commentary on Tehillim*. Indeed, maintaining the entire beard draws down heavenly blessings and enables one to set aside severe judgments and accusations. In our era, who can afford to renounce this great mercy? Who does not need it?

You will surely participate in the Chassidic* gathering of the days of liberation (note: of the Frierdiker Rebbe from Soviet imprisonment), 12 and 13 Tammuz*, which are approaching. Indeed, this year we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of this liberation.

With my blessing to convey good news,

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By the grace of Hashem*,

1 Tammuz* 5717,

Brooklyn,

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem* and bears a sacred mission, Rav* Dov Ber (note: Rav D. Ganski of Montreal),

I greet you and bless you,

I respond to your letter of this Sunday, in which you mention the immense responsibility incumbent upon Yeshivah* deans, due to the difficulties their students face in settling into life in a proper manner (note: the deans must therefore train students without knowing what they will become afterward). You underscore how arduous it is to obtain a position as teacher or Rav*, for in this matter, everyone does as he pleases.

In various cases, the difficulties in obtaining a teaching position have found a solution in recent years. In any event, the question does not arise only for the Yeshivos*. This situation prevails among all Jews in general, in everything concerning Judaism*, and I am surprised that you do not raise this issue at the meetings of Orthodox organizations that handle such matters — rabbinical meetings or meetings of the religious parties. Granted, there is a great distance between the decisions of such bodies and their concrete application. Nevertheless, these debates are of value, for they enable the awakening of public opinion. Thus, at least in certain respects, the situation improves. And every effort is justified, even if it enables saving a single Jewish soul.

You say that in rabbinical matters, everyone does as he sees fit. You should consult with a few young Rabbanim* who have also become aware of this painful point. Indeed, each one voices a complaint while remaining in his corner. Now, in the United States, it is difficult to express a personal opinion. It would not be the same if one organized and issued a collective protest. Without the shadow of a doubt, this would make an impression and the situation would evolve.

I send you my blessing that you settle in a positive manner, both materially and spiritually, as well as with joy. Indeed, one serves Hashem* during all twenty-four hours of the day, for one must fulfill the injunction: "In all your ways, know Him," as the Shulchan Aruch*, Orach Chaim*, chapter 231, rules.

With my blessing,

On behalf of the Rebbe Shlita*,

the secretary,

ה'תקסח*

ב"ה, א' תמוז, תשי"ז
ברוקלין.
הוו"ח אי"א נו"נ מלאכתו מלאכת שמים

הרב דובער שי'

שלום וברכה!

במענה על מכתבו מיום הראשון בו כותב ע"ד אחריות הגדולה המוטלת על הראשי ישיבות בהנוגע להקישוים בהסתדרות מתאימה בחיים של תלמידי הישיבות ומתאר הקישוים שישנם בקבלת משרת מורה וכן בהנוגע למשרת רבנות, אשר איש הישר בעיניו עושה בזה.

והנה בכמה, הקישוים בקבלת משרת מורה הוטב המצב בשנים האחרונות, ובכל אופן אין זה שאלה של הישיבות בלבד אלא שאלת המצב הכללי ברחוב היהודים בעניני יהדות, ותמי' על אשר אינו מעורר עד"ז באסיפות של הארגונים החרדים המתעסקים בכגון דא, אסיפות רבנים אסיפות מפלגות חרדים וכיו"ב, ואף שמרחק גדול מהחלטות אסיפות הנ"ל ועד שיבואו הדברים בפועל, בכל זה תועלת ישנה בהדיון עד"ז שמעורר דעת הקהל, ועכ"פ באיזהו מקומן משתפר המצב, והרי אפילו בשביל נפש אחת מישראל כדאית ההשתדלות והטרחה בזה.

בהנקודה שכותב שבשטח הרבנות איש כל הישר בעיניו יעשה, צריך הי' להתדבר עם כמה מהרבנים הצעירים שגם הם הרגישו בנקודה כאובה זו, אלא שכל אחד מתאונן בהפנה שלו, וקשה בארצוה"ב להשמיע דעת יחיד, משא"כ באם היו מתארגנים יחד ומודיעים מחאתם, שבלי ספק היתה עושה רושם ומביאה להזזה בדבר.

בברכה להסתדרות טובה בגשמיות וברוחניות גם יחד ולעבודה מתוך שמחה דוקא, והרי עבודת ה' היא משך כל הכ"ד שעות של המעל"ע (שצ"ל בכל דרכך דעהו וכפסק השו"ע או"ח סי' רל"א).

בברכה,

בשם כ"ק אדמו"ר שליט"א

מזכיר

ה'תקסח*
הרב דובער: גאנסקי, מאונטדייל.