Happiness, they say, may come from within. But it is the awareness of the spiritual force Above that fuels hope and vision. The Avner Institute presents three letters highlighting the Rebbe’s connection to belief in the Divine with mood and optimism, and the confident commitment to Torah values that determines our outcomes.
In loving memory of Hadassah Lebovic A”h
“Introspection and self-analysis”
By the Grace of G-d
16th of Kislev 5724
Brooklyn, NY
Rabbi ——–
359 Madison St.
New York, NY
Greeting and Blessings:
I received your letter of the 15th of Kislev, as well as your previous correspondence.
You write that I have not replied to your previous letters. The reason for this is that there was nothing particular in them that required a reply to which I have not already replied before on several occasions, including during our personal conversation. I regret, however, that apparently you have not accepted my suggestions.
However, inasmuch as our Sages say, “Even 100 times,” I will repeat the essential point. It is that you should put an end to your constant introspection and self-analysis as to what is your mood, and how is your health, etc. And, although generally speaking, introspection is recommended, as our Sages say—“Reflect on three things, etc.”—and a person is expected to keep a check on these thoughts, words, and actions, it is obvious that if such introspection has the wrong effect, namely bringing about depression and lack of vitality and joy in the service of G-d, it does not come from the yetzer tov [good inclination], but from the other side. I suggest that you study in the Tanya the passages dealing with the subject of the negation of atzvus [bitterness] and the importance of cultivating simcha [joy], as can be found in the index at the end of the book.
With regard to your question relating to a shidduch [marriage partner], I have also repeatedly advised you to fulfill what is written in the Torah, namely temim tiheye, to be wholehearted and straightforward. For a shidduch is not a matter of endless calculations and playful speculations. And, while one should, of course, not approach the matter of a shidduch with closed eyes, one should remember that the important quality to look for in a wife is that she should be G-d-fearing and observant of the Torah and mitzvoth. All other qualities are only secondary, but it often happens that when this essential quality is present, the secondary qualities are also present.
May G-d grant that, at any rate from now on, my words should find their proper response in your heart, although I have already given them to you orally. But, perhaps the fact that you will get them also in writing will serve a good purpose, inasmuch as you can refer to it from time to time.
At this time, Erev Yud-Tes Kislev, the liberation day of the Old Rebbe, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch [Code of Jewish Law], and founder of Chabad, whose 150th yahrzeit we are observing this year, I want to express the hope that the remembrance of this significant day will be a source of inspiration to you and every one of us.
Wishing you also a Happy Chanukah,
With blessing,
[signature]
“Natural order of things”
By the Grace of G-d
21st of Sivan 5724
Brooklyn, NY
Rabbi–
Box 38
Glen Oaks, Long Island
Greeting and Blessings:
I duly received your letters and, as requested, I will remember you in prayer when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory, for the fulfillment of your heart’s desires for good.
We are still in the auspicious third month, the month of Sivan, the highlight of which is the giving of the Torah. It is well to bear in mind that together with the Torah came also G-d’s blessings, in order to enable the Jew to study the Torah and observe the mitzvoth in good health and peace of mind. Especially in accordance with the text of the Shevuoth blessing of my father-in-law of saintly memory “to receive the Torah with joy and inwardness.” I therefore hope that eventually this will be so also in your case, in a growing measure.
Needless to say, with the increase of faith in G-d comes also an increase in G-d’s blessings. And to have faith in G-d does not require to support such faith by logical proof, inasmuch as faith goes beyond reason. It is only necessary to bring to the surface the simple faith in G-d which every Jew possesses, and contemplation and reasoning are only to strengthen this faith against any doubts that may come from outside. But inwardly no Jew requires any proof for his faith. You will also recall what I said to you that although it is necessary to do everything in the natural order of things, and especially to follow the instructions of the doctors, but with regard to reason and feeling, etc., it is necessary to have complete faith in G-d, as King David said, “G-d is my shepherd, I shall not lack anything.”
The above will provide also the answer to your questions about olam haba [World to Come] and the like. It is clear that this world is only a vestibule to the World to Come. However, there can be no doubt that you and I, in the midst of all our people, have many things to accomplish in this vestibule, in the area of spreading and strengthening Yiddishkeit, Torah, and mitzvoth. To accomplish this successfully, it is necessary to have faith in G-d, and to go about this work with joy and gladness of heart. Inasmuch as this is what is required of every one of us, it is certain that G-d also gives every one of us the ability and opportunity to fulfill our task.
With prayerful wishes for your good health and hoping to hear good news from you in regard to all the above, especially in the matter of joy.
With blessing,
[signature]
“To rejoice in an increased measure”
By the Grace of G-d
11th of Adar 5726
Brooklyn, NY
Mr. –
359 Madison St.
New York 2, NY
Greeting and Blessing:
After not hearing from you for a long time, I received your letter, and subsequently your telephone inquiry, which was also answered to you over the telephone.
The purpose of my writing is not only to have it for the record, but also to emphasize to you again that we are in the auspicious days of Adar, when every Jew is expected to rejoice in an increased measure. And since this is a commandment of G-d, who is called G-d of Torah, and it is part of His Torah, which is called the Torah of Truth, it is clear that there is true cause for a Jew to rejoice increasingly during this month of Adar. Moreover, inasmuch as G-d is the Creator of man, He provides everyone with good reason to rejoice, and it is only necessary for a person to be able to evaluate and appreciate his blessings.
If all the above is true of every Jew, regardless of background, how much more so is it true in the case of a person who has for many years learned at a Yeshiva and has semicha [ordination], etc. In such a case it is surely superfluous to elaborate on the obvious. Rather, should it be expected of a person of your background to show a living example all around you, and not merely in a passive way, but also in an active and stimulating way.
I am not familiar with all the factors surrounding you, but I am sure if you will reflect upon them, you will find many things and causes for rejoicing and for confidence in the future, all of which will also go a long way to improve your general health, banish anxiety, and generally give you a positive and stimulating outlook.
Wishing you a happy and inspiring Purim,
With blessing,
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