An explanation of the concept that a multitude of minor transgressions can create a spiritual blemish equivalent to that produced by the transgression of a more severe prohibition

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Appreciation for a donation to publish Kehot texts; the need to reach out to all four sons of the Pesach narrative, even the wicked and those who do not know how to ask

No. 223

This letter was addressed to R. Menachem Zev Greenglass, one of the leaders of the Lubavitch community in Montreal.

B"H, 3 Nissan, 5706

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letters of 7 and 22 Adar II:

The proofs of the text Middos Rashbi are not in my possession.

Is the sum sent by Karakovsky a payment of his pledge to print the biography of the Rebbe Maharash[392] or is it a separate donation? This [information] is necessary [for us] in composing the wording of the receipt [we will send him].

The sichos of Chai Elul and Yud-Tes Kislev of this year are in the hands of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita.[393]

The Tzemach Tzedek (the responsa and his Chiddushim) and Mayim Rabbim have not been completed by the binder.

With regard to your debt: It has already gone past $500 (aside from the money owed by the Yeshivah and Beis Rivkah). I do not know if you are correct in saying that you are doing all that you can in this regard. You will, however, certainly believe me that the printer is not at all concerned about the debate over this issue. For the books that have already been printed, we must pay him the entire sum. It is just that we have the alternative not to print more [texts] in the future.

Time and time again, I have repeatedly tried to explain to people like yourself that refraining from paying your debt is not merely a failure to fulfill the mitzvah of paying a debt, but that it causes a lack and prevents the fulfillment of the plan of work outlined by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, in general and with regard to publications in particular.

At this time, it would be appropriate for you to endeavor to increase the possibility of publishing [chassidic texts] to the full extent that license is granted by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita. ([Such efforts, in turn,] would increase the license [he grants]. For as is well known, the desire of the recipient increases the influence.) [This purpose should be furthered,] not only by paying your debts, but by [donating] further sums. Instead of this, everyone comes with his own rationalization and hopes that I will agree to its truth. How many maamarim of Chassidus will be printed in this manner!?

I hope that these words will bear fruit. If it is true that you have done all that is possible within your revealed powers, arouse your hidden and essential powers (see the maamar of 2 Nissan from this year) and increase the power of your efforts in the above.

Based on the statement of Tanya, Iggeres HaKodesh, Epistle 14, each year, a new and higher light that has not been revealed previously shines forth from a more sublime source. Man, whose very name implies that he should "resemble the One above"[394] should also follow this pattern. He must make vessels that are receptacles for this light.

With the blessing "Immediately to teshuvah; immediately to Redemption," and with blessings for a kosher and happy Pesach,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Executive Director

   

Notes:

392. (Back to text) [This refers to the biography of the Rebbe Maharash compiled by the Rebbe and published by Kehot in 5707.]

393. (Back to text) [See Letter No. 208.]

394. (Back to text) [Cf. Yeshayahu 14:14, as interpreted by the Shaloh,, pp. 3a, 20b.]

An explanation of the concept that a multitude of minor transgressions can create a spiritual blemish equivalent to that produced by the transgression of a more severe prohibition

Table of contents

Search this book:

Appreciation for a donation to publish Kehot texts; the need to reach out to all four sons of the Pesach narrative, even the wicked and those who do not know how to ask