The translation of the Memoirs of the Previous Rebbe

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Instructions to a chassid in France

No. 477

The text of the first part of this letter was sent to various individuals, personally addressed to each one.[322] The portion following the Rebbe’s signature was addressed to a specific individual whose name was not made known.

B"H, Erev Pesach, 5709

Greetings and blessings,

You have no doubt received the letter with the kuntreis [sent previously].[323] I am [writing now] about a matter of present concern: the enclosed kuntreis for the Pesach holiday that was just released. You will no doubt share it with others in an appropriate manner.

I will conclude with blessings for a kosher and happy Pesach holiday. This year, the Pesach holiday falls on the same day [of the week] as the day when the Exodus took place (see Shabbos 87b). So may it be G-d’s will that during it, we merit the fulfillment of the prophecy: “As in the days of your exodus from Egypt, I will show [the people] wonders.” May we see it with our [own] eyes.

With greetings and with wishes for everlasting good in all matters; awaiting good tidings from activities for the benefit of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and Machne Israel,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

With regard to your comment on the well-known concept that the heavenly spheres[324] are masters of knowledge:[325] [You question that statement based] on Tanya, Iggeres HaKodesh (p. 108a) which states that this [— the knowledge of spiritual truth —] does not [exist] in this world. Now this question also applies to people in this world (in contrast to souls as they exist before their descent). In my humble opinion, the concept can be explained as follows: In general, this world and all of the entities found within it stem from the attribute of Malchus, [which is associated with] deed. Only the attribute of Malchus rests within this world, and it is impossible for [beings in this world] to perceive [the higher spiritual attributes]. (See Tanya, chs. 38-39, et al.) [Even the intellectual powers that exist in this world] are comparable to the intellect necessary to perform a task alone.

This relates to the well-known concept that it is impossible for a soul that is enclothed in a body to have any spiritual knowledge other than [the awareness of] the existence of spiritual concepts. He cannot [comprehend] their essence. How much more so can we say that our knowledge of the heavenly spheres relates only to [their existence and not their essence]. See the enclosed kuntreis, secs. 13 [326] and 20, the kuntreis of Yud-Tes Kislev, 5708, sec. 9,[327] et al. This is not the appropriate time to elaborate [on this issue].

   

Notes:

322. (Back to text) [See footnote 1 to Letter No. 472 on p. 119.]

323. (Back to text) [Perhaps, Letter No. 472.]

324. (Back to text) [I.e., the planets and/or the orbits in which they revolve.]

325. (Back to text) [See Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 3:9.]

326. (Back to text) [Sefer HaMaamarim 5709, pp. 121, 130.]

327. (Back to text) [Ibid. 5708, p. 88.]

The translation of the Memoirs of the Previous Rebbe

Table of contents

Search this book:

Instructions to a chassid in France