Bonding with the Rebbe Rayatz after his passing; participation in the annual division of [the study of] the Talmud

[In the original, the Rebbe writes the date as טו"ב טבת. טוב means “good.”]

See Shabbos (152b) [which states that it was possible to raise the spirit of] the prophet Shmuel [from the dead], because it was within twelve months [of his passing. Implied is that it is easier to connect to a recently deceased soul during that period, because afterwards the soul ascends to a place under G‑d’s Throne of Glory from which it is difficult to descend]. Even though afterwards, it is also possible [to establish such a connection], that is because: a) through his Torah and Divine service, a Jew can even reach [a place] under [G‑d’s] Throne of Glory (see the Chiddushei Aggados of Maharsha) and even a higher level; b) when a soul desires, it can descend even after [twelve months] (see Tosafos, s.v. veneshamaso, op. cit. 153a).

Behold, the shepherds of Israel desire [to maintain a connection] because they do abandon their flock ([as stated in] a letter of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, concerning his father, the Rebbe Rashab). It is not, however, that easy [to establish a connection once the twelve months have passed], as is self-understood. This is not the place [for elaboration concerning the matter].

[See HaYom Yom, entry for 19 Kislev, which states: “It is customary to apportion the tractates of the Talmud {to be studied by the members of the local chassidic brotherhood} according to the pattern described in Tanya, Iggeres HaKodesh, in the epistle beginning Hocheiach Tochiach. In Lubavitch, from 5663 (1902) onward, the tractates were apportioned on 24 Teves — the Alter Rebbe’s yahrzeit — becauseof the lack of time on Yud-Tes Kislev.” This was also true in 5711 (1951), the year this letter was written. Later, on Yud-Tes Kislev, 5713 (1952), the practice was restored to its initial date. See Likkutei Dibburim, p. 598a, for further details.]

[Cf. Tanya, Iggeres HaKodesh, Epistle 27.]