The name of the recipient of this letter was not released.

B”H, 17 Elul, 5710

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of Motzaei Shabbos, 7 Elul, and your question that until now, you have studied in the [branch of] Yeshivas [Tomchei Temimim]in Tel Aviv and you ask whether, since you have been feeling a certain lack in recent times, it might be worthwhile for you to change [to a different] place.

In general, you should explain the matter to your mashpia, R. Shlomo Chayim Kesselman, and inform me of his opinion.

Regarding you statement that you feel a lack: you don’t explain what you mean or in what the lack lies. There are kuntreisim from the teachings of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, and his talks are available to you. In them, you will find directives and advice how not to let “the clever one” 1 disturb you from studying the Torah and carrying out Divine service with the fear of Heaven.

There are indications that the feelings of lack [you mention] are one of the disturbances caused by the yetzer [hara] that masquerades in a garment fitted to the spirit of every one it wishes to entice.

Certainly you have special fixed times to study the teachings of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, and you recite kapitle 71 of Tehillim daily. 2 May it be [G‑d’s] will that you merit to be a chassid, G‑d-fearing, and a scholar, and a medium for the will of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, to be fulfilled. One of the aspects of [his will] is that [the yeshivah students] should be “candles to illuminate,” 3 that you should illuminate your surroundings with the light of Torah that is characterized by the fear of Heaven. Inform me of good tidings in this regard.

I will read the pan enclosed in your letter at the gravesite of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ. “A tzaddik who passes away is found in this world more prominently... than during his lifetime.” 4 He will grant his blessing and G‑d will fulfill it in a complete way in both material and spiritual matters.

With blessings for a kesivah vachasimah tovah,

Menachem Schneerson