Instructions to a chassid in Jerusalem; the significance of the month of Elul

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A kuntreis for Rosh HaShanah; the significance of Rosh HaShanah falling on Shabbos

No. 520

The text of the first part of this letter was sent to various individuals, personally addressed to each one.[607] The portions following the Rebbe’s signature were addressed to specific individuals.

B"H, 13 Elul, 5709

Greetings and blessings,

Enclosed is the kuntreis for Chai Elul and the third day of Selichos, which was recently published. You will no doubt share them with people at large in the most appropriate manner.

There is a well-known adage of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita ([see] Sichos Chai Elul, 5700), that the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe[608] both drew down inner vitality for the Jewish people [that is expressed in] their Divine service in Elul, [which is alluded to by the verse]:[609] “I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine.”

It is possible to explain that within this aspect of Divine service, the Baal Shem Tov’s influence was primarily a revelation from Above downward. [Thus it was expressed through] miracles, [the communication of] the foundations of the teachings of Chassidus, and traveling and journeying to the recipients [of his teachings]. The Alter Rebbe, by contrast, focused primarily on an ascent upward.

The above can be connected with the two concepts that are mentioned in the beginning and the conclusion of the enclosed maamar:

1. To inform a baal teshuvah that G-d will grant forgiveness [for his sins];

2. [Knowledge of] this brings about “so that You may be feared”: an essential level of fear.[610] This is not the place for additional discussion of the matter.

With wishes for everlasting good in all matters and with greetings to all those who seek our welfare,

M. Schneerson

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Enclosed is the kuntreis for Chai Elul and the third day of Selichos which was recently published. You will no doubt share it with people at large in the most appropriate manner. Your intent should be to make from the many, one. This is accomplished by establishing a connection [on the level of] yechidah[611] through the medium of the yechidus[612] [of others] with the one Rebbe (this is possible even in writing) and [in this way,] to [G-d], Yechido shel olam, [“the quintessence of Oneness in the world”]....

Your two letters with the lists [of contributors] were duly received. During the coming days, the receipts for the second list will also be sent. It is certainly unnecessary to motivate you to encourage, from time to time, those who left your community with regard to nifneh.[613]

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Your letter of 3 Menachem Av was duly received.[614] No doubt, in the interim, the immigration of your family was organized. Please notify me with regard to this.

It is surely unnecessary to motivate you regarding the idea that the days of [Divine] favor of Elul and Tishrei are appropriate to connect the sparks to the Source of Light. [In this,] there is an intermediary who establishes a connection, [as it is written:][615] “I am standing between you and between G-d your L-rd.” The merit for [strengthening this connection] depends on you.

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Your letter of 14 Menachem Av was received. You will no doubt make us happy with good tidings concerning actual deeds with regard to nifneh and the merit of people at large, making from the many, one. This is accomplished by establishing a connection [on the level of] yechidah[616] through the medium of the Yechidus [of others] with the one Rebbe, and [in this way,] to [G-d], Yechido shel olam, [“the quintessence of Oneness in the world”].

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Your fifteenth letter[617] and the letter from 25 Tammuz were duly received. You will no doubt continue writing your memoirs [and, in this way,] generate pleasure for my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita.

The intent in the reference mentioned[618] is to the fourth portion of Tanya,[619] which explains that the power that brings into being a new entity must be [enclothed within] that new entity.

With regard to the story that you cite concerning the Tzemach Tzedek[620] in which he said that the woman had washed [away the traces of her sin] with tears: I heard that the [Tzemach Tzedek] discussed the matter with his brother-in-law and cousin, the tzaddik, R. Yaakov Yisrael of Chirkass.

   

Notes:

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

608. (Back to text) [Who were both born on Chai Elul.]

609. (Back to text) [Shir HaShirim 6:3. The first letters of the words of this verse form an acronym for the name Elul. See Letter No. 518, sec. e.]

610. (Back to text) [The maamar entitled Ki Imcha HaSelichah (Sefer HaMaamarim 5709, p. 215ff.) focuses on the verse (Tehillim 130:4): “For with You is forgiveness, so that You may be feared,” and mentions the themes the Rebbe highlights.]

611. (Back to text) [The aspect of the soul that is characterized by singular oneness.]

612. (Back to text) [A personal audience with the Rebbe.]

613. (Back to text) [The chassidic code for maamad, money given to the Rebbe by chassidim to support his household needs and distribute to others at his discretion.]

614. (Back to text) [This note was attached to the letter sent to R. Ben Tzion Shemtov, the Rebbe’s emissary in England.]

615. (Back to text) [Devarim 5:5; the Rebbe is not quoting the verse exactly. The Rebbe’s intent is that these months are appropriate to heighten the connection between the Jews and G-d. This is accomplished through the medium of a Rebbe, who, like Moshe mentioned in the above verse, strengthens the above-mentioned connection.]

616. (Back to text) [The aspect of the soul that is characterized by singular oneness.]

617. (Back to text) [This note was sent to R. Schneur Zalman Duchman, an active member of the chassidic community who would send his memoirs to the Previous Rebbe via the Rebbe in installments.]

618. (Back to text) [Perhaps referring to Letter No. 501 above.]

619. (Back to text) [Perhaps the intent is Epistle 25 in the portion of Tanya called Iggeres HaKodesh.]

620. (Back to text) [See Lishmoa Ozen, p. 65]

Instructions to a chassid in Jerusalem; the significance of the month of Elul

Table of contents

Search this book:

A kuntreis for Rosh HaShanah; the significance of Rosh HaShanah falling on Shabbos