An explanation of the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on Lag BaOmer

Table of contents

Search this book:

Texts of Chassidus sent to a follower

No. 486

This letter was addressed to Mr. Baruch Litvin.

B"H, 2 Sivan, 5709

Greetings and blessings,

I duly received your letter. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to answer you until now because of the preoccupation with my work preparing [texts] for printing. Among the publications are the sichah from Lag BaOmer, the kuntreis for Shavuos, and [the booklet] The Complete Story of Shavuos. (I have directed that you be sent all of the above. The Complete Story of Shavuos is enclosed.)

I was happy to read your letter about the powerful and positive impression the description — in the Memoirs[353] — of Benyamin Wolf and the other hidden [tzaddikim] made on the Jews in your shul.

You should have pointed out two lessons in particular that every one of us — and they — should learn from these stories:

1. With regard to others: Whenever we meet another Jew, we must always remember that even though he appears to be a very simple person, and even perhaps on a lower level, [i.e.,] that he is not dutiful in his observance and the like, we can never be sure of who he is in truth and what his inner dimensions are. For there were always — and there are today — hidden [tzaddikim] among the Jewish people: many, many more than 36 [354] of them. Therefore we have to look upon [every person] in a favorable light, being careful regarding his honor, and trying to do him a favor to whatever degree possible.

2. With regard to oneself: Each one of us has hidden potentials, which — were he only to have a strong desire to use them — will enable him, with G-d’s help, to reach the highest peaks. For when a Jew connects himself to G-d Who is infinite through the Torah and its mitzvos, he has the potential to break through all limitations. In this context, our Sages say:[355] “A person is obligated to say: ‘When will my deeds reach the deeds of my forefathers: Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.’”

How are your studies — both your own and those with others — proceeding? You no doubt participate in a communal study session?

I conclude with a wish for the upcoming Shavuos holiday: that we all receive the Torah with happiness and inner feeling; that it be a Torah of life for us. It should not be a Torah which we honor and we keep, but regard as distant so that it will not disturb our everyday life. Instead, it should be a Torah that directs us with regard to our — and everyone’s — life.

With blessings for a happy holiday,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

353. (Back to text) [I.e., The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Memoirs, written by the Previous Rebbe.]

354. (Back to text) [I.e., there is a common tradition (Tikkunei Zohar, Tikkun 21; see Sukkah 45b) that there are always 36 hidden tzaddikim in the world at any one time upon whose merit the world relies.]

355. (Back to text) [Tanna D’Bei Eliyahu Rabbah, ch. 25.]

An explanation of the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on Lag BaOmer

Table of contents

Search this book:

Texts of Chassidus sent to a follower