Igrot Kodesh · Letter 9053

By the grace of Hashem,

5 Kislev* 5726,

Brooklyn,

To the distinguished Chassidim* who fear Hashem and devote themselves to communal needs, Rav Binyamin Gershman[1] and Rav Shalom Shklar,

I greet and bless you,

I am writing in response to your letter[2] of Rosh Chodesh* Kislev*, which you address to me as leaders of the Nusach Ari* synagogue of Albany Park, Chicago, concerning the study of Chassidic discourses in your synagogue in general, and during the third Shabbat* meal in particular[3]. You ask me what I think of this. As various texts of our masters and leaders explain, it is particularly important to spread the wellsprings of Chassidus* in every place where a Jew is found, and all the more so where they are numerous, as in a synagogue, and specifically when its very name bears witness to what it is, since in this case it is called: 'Nusach Ari'. In the words of the Admur HaZaken*, author of the Tanya* and the Shulchan Aruch*, in Iggeret HaKodesh*, chapter 26: 'In these last generations, it is permitted and it is a Mitzvah* to reveal this wisdom.'

One can deduce from this the importance of all this, the immense merit that results for whoever is active in this matter in all possible ways. Moreover, this concerns the holy Shabbat*, the time of the third meal, which is 'the Will of all wills'[5]. It is to this that the promise of our Sages[6] applies: 'one who comes to purify himself is helped.'

I turn now to the second point. I have known the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem, Rav Yaakov HaCohen Katz, for many years. I know that he merited hearing many discourses and talks from my father-in-law the Rebbe* — whose merit shall protect us — that he is completely devoted to him, and that he had the privilege of receiving from him numerous blessings. It is therefore clear that in repeating one of these discourses or talks, one can, in the expression of our Sages[7], 'imagine that their author stands before one.' This will ensure the success of the words being recited and the effect that may be hoped for from them.

'A propitious day confers merit'[8], and your letter was written on Rosh Chodesh* Kislev*, the month of miracles and deliverance. My reply will reach you close to the 10th and 19th of Kislev*, the dates of the liberation of the Admur HaZaken*, and then of his son and successor, the Admur HaEmtzai*. Both of them intercede on behalf of all Jews, especially those who study and spread Chassidus*. I therefore extend my respect and greetings to all participants in this Chassidus* class, among all who pray in this synagogue. With my blessing, hoping to receive good tidings of all this,