Weekly Moment With the Rebbe
If Torah is the “Tree of Life,” we are like seeds planted in the earth to ripen, bear holy fruit, and sustain the world. But human effort alone is not enough: additionally needed is proper Divine guidance and knowledge. The Avner Institute presents the Rebbe’s two instructional letters on the importance of studying the Tanya, the seminal work of Chabad philosophy, to effect internal growth, create lasting and meaningful change, and ultimately inspire others.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveFertile Soil
Where one has the opportunity and ability to influence others in the right direction, the time element is of the essence. For, with regard to one’s self, a person may think that he will make up tomorrow what he misses today; but with regard to another person, one cannot be sure that the other person may be reached tomorrow, or that he will be as receptive tomorrow as today.
The Rebbe
If Torah is the “Tree of Life,” we are like seeds planted in the earth to ripen, bear holy fruit, and sustain the world. But human effort alone is not enough: additionally needed is proper Divine guidance and knowledge. The Avner Institute presents the Rebbe’s two instructional letters on the importance of studying the Tanya, the seminal work of Chabad philosophy, to effect internal growth, create lasting and meaningful change, and ultimately inspire others.
“Everyone will get there sooner or later”
Getting somewhere is half the battle, but a battle well won.
By the Grace of G-d
25 Elul 5736
Brooklyn, NY
Mrs. ——-
Viale
44100 Ferrara, Italy
Blessing and Greeting:
I received your letter of 3/9/76, in which you ask if it would be proper for you, not being religious, to read Tanya and similar books. I presume you mean not just reading, but studying it in depth.
No doubt you know that one of the basics of Judaism is, as our Sages formulated it, that “Every Jew has a share in the World to Come, as it is written: ‘(Being) a branch of My planting, the work of My hands, to be glorified.’” The difference is only in regard to the share, whether it be large or small, and whether one attains it with greater or lesser effort. But our Torah, called Toras Chayim (because it is both our guide in this life and the source of everlasting life) makes it clear that every Jew, man or woman, has a share in the World to Come.
The Tanya, as the author states in the title-page, is based on the verse, “The thing is near unto you—in your mouth and in your heart, to do it” (i.e. in speech, thought, and action). But he immediately cautions that “the road is a long and a short one,” meaning that it may be long for some and short for others, but everyone will get there sooner or later.
In light of this preface, needless to say, the Tanya pertains and relates to every Jew, and, moreover, it is “near” (comprehensible), and, indeed, highly conducive to actual implementation in the daily life.
However, G-d has given everyone free choice of action, and it is His desire that the choice be made in the right direction out of one’s own free will. Yet, while presenting this freedom of choice, G-d gives the assurance that “it is near unto you,” not only in word and thought, but also in actual deed. This is what the author explains in his book, where he also provides guidelines to the desired goal. He also explains why it is certain that every Jew will attain it, sooner or later, except that for one the road may be longer, and for another—shorter.
Inasmuch as you state in your letter that you are a professor of pedagogic influences, it is confidently hoped that you will study the Tanya without prejudice, and then you will see the truth of the author’s ideas. Thus you will find it rewarding and beneficial not only for yourself, but—being a teacher and educator—you will want to share it with others. This is an additional factor that will contribute to the success of your said study, that will help “shorten the road.”
I would like to add a further point. Where one has the opportunity and ability to influence others in the right direction, the time element is of the essence. For, with regard to one’s self, a person may think that he will make up tomorrow what he misses today; but with regard to another person, one cannot be sure that the other person may be reached tomorrow, or that he will be as receptive tomorrow as today.
With reference to a beracha [blessing], it is customary to remember one in prayer by mentioning the full Hebrew name together with the mother’s Hebrew name. If you will let me know these names, I will remember you in prayer for G-d’s blessing in all your needs.
At this time before Rosh Hashanah, I extend to you and yours best wishes for a happy and pleasant year, materially and spiritually.
With blessing,
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“To come to fruition”
To study Chassidus is to plant a seed and grow.
By the Grace of G-d
18 Adar II 5725
Brooklyn, NY
Mrs. Basya Garelik
Via Giulio Uberti 41
Milano 418, Italy
Blessing and Greeting:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st of Adar I, as also your previous correspondence.
May G-d grant that all the matters about which you write, including your activities in progress, as well as those to be undertaken in the future, should all be crowned with hatzlocho [success], and in a greater measure than expected or anticipated at first glance.
In the literature of Chassidus, such activities are classified and explained under two categories: “seeding” and “planting.” The difference is this: In the case of seeding, as, for example, sowing wheat, the fruits take less time to appear than in the case of planting a tree. The reason is that in the case of the former the results, though many times the original effort, are considerably smaller than in the case of planting. Similarly in the efforts and activities of a human being, there are such that come under one category and/or the other. If, therefore, it sometimes takes longer for the efforts to come to fruition, this is no reason for discouragement; on the contrary, the reason may well be that it is a case of “planting,” where the ultimate results will be infinitely greater.
In the light of the above, and also in answer to your previous letter, it is surprising to me that you should have any doubt about your ability, or the success of your efforts, etc. It would appear as if you have doubts as to whether to one who gave you the assignment had made a wise choice. Surely you do not entertain such a thought, though in any case I would not consider it in any personal way, as far as I am concerned. However, if you are certain that the one who gave you the assignment has not made a mistake, then you should continue your work with certainty and confidence, and with G-d’s help you will succeed.
I trust that you and all yours have observed Purim in its true and joyous spirit, and may G-d grant that the spirit of Purim will be carried over in all your activities throughout the year.
With blessing,
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