Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8309 — Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem,

24 Teves* 5722,

Brooklyn,

To the young Yechiel Michel (note 1: Y. M. Katz Ben Dor. See, regarding him, letter no. 5759),

I greet you and bless you,

I respond to your letter of 18 Teves*, in which you tell me that you have obtained a position as a Shochet* for poultry. You surely know the halachic* ruling, which is cited by the Shulchan Aruch* of the Admur HaZaken* (note 2: At the beginning of the laws of Shechitah*) and by the responsa of the Tzemach Tzedek* (note 3: Yoreh Deah*, chapter 12), according to which a Shochet* must have the most profound fear of Hashem. You will therefore endeavor to satisfy this requirement, to the fullest extent possible. Indeed, one comes to the aid of the one who wishes to purify himself (note 4: According to tractate Yoma* 38b). May Hashem therefore grant that this be at a good and fruitful moment and, to pass from one subject to another while remaining in the same context, you will redouble your ardor in your public teaching of the Torah*, which, without a doubt, also pertains to Chassidus* and what concerns it, to the dissemination of the wellsprings (note 5: Of Chassidus*, to the outside). There too, you will meet with success and you will make an addition, from time to time, in conformity with the Injunction to elevate oneself in the domain of holiness.

This day, as the present response is being written, is that of the Hilloula* of the Admur HaZaken* and one knows the parable that he stated (note 6: On this subject, see also letter no. 8290) regarding the dissemination of the wellsprings (note 5), that of the most precious jewel of the royal crown. This provides the proof that it is incumbent upon us, with an even greater responsibility, to make use of this precious jewel, after the King has placed it at the disposal of the children of Israel, this is quite evident. May Hashem grant that your words emanate from the heart. In this way, they will penetrate the heart of those who hear them. With my blessing to give good news of what concerns you, on a communal level and personally,