This letter was sent to Rabbi Betzalel Wilshanski, one of the early members of the chassidic community in Australia.
B”H, 4 Tammuz, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
You have no doubt received my long letter1 already. Please acknowledge its receipt. I am now addressing a matter of present concern, the enclosed kuntreis for the Holiday of Redemption.2 It is [being sent] to be shared with people at large.
Also enclosed is a letter from Machne Israel.3 You no doubt will do what is necessary — and [do so] in an appropriate manner — [to involve] all the members of the chassidic brotherhood in your community.
And “the last is the most cherished”4 : enclosed is a letter from the Committee for Maamad. Even though it is certainly unnecessary for me to add encouragement regarding this matter, nevertheless, our Sages said:5 “We encourage only those who are eager.” Hence, I am doing that as well.
As is well known, several sources in Chassidus6 explain the great advantage produced by the fulfillment of mitzvos with material entities. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that the ultimate purpose is spirituality (see Likkutei Torah, the beginning of Parshas Shemini). In your profession,7 you should endeavor to “circumcise the hearts”8 of those in your surroundings, as stated in Tanya, Iggeres HaKodesh, Epistle 4. See also the conclusion of the maamar in the enclosed kuntreis.9
With greetings to all those who seek our welfare,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
Please deliver the enclosed letter10 to my relative, R. Isser Kluvgant. I thank you in advance for your efforts.
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