The name of the person to whom this letter was sent was not released. Also, the initial portion of the letter was not released for public knowledge.

B”H, 27 Elul, 5709

..With regard to your statement that you heard in the name of the Rogatchover that the difference of opinion whether the tzimtzum [should be interpreted simply]1 is identical with the difference of opinion (Shavuos 35b) whether G‑d’s name Tziva‑os is holy or not.2 It appears that the basis of the idea you heard is found in the statements of [the gloss of] Tzafnas Paaneiach to [Rambam,] Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 2:5. There, however, the rationale for the difference of opinion is whether the world is conducted through an interrelated chain of spiritual influences in a cause and effect relationship or whether some dimension of His essence is also grasped. It appears that by using the term “grasped,” he implied not merely comprehension, but also drawing down [G‑dliness] and [establishing] unity [with Him]. For even in an interrelated chain of existence, the lower level comprehends the higher level, as Rambam states there, and in ch. 3, halachah 9.

In my humble opinion, it is not appropriate to say that this difference of opinion alludes to the difference of opinion that exists concerning the tzimtzum, for the tzimtzum precedes all the names of G‑d and all the worlds, not only those of Beriah, Yetzirah, and Asiyah, as I wrote in my previous letter.3

It is, however, possible to say that [the spiritual dimensions of] the difference of opinion regarding the name Tziva‑os is dependent on [a different issue: the Alter Rebbe’s explanation that] the kav, the vector of light that shines forth from the light of the Ein Sof before the tzimtzum,[and is projected within the tzimtzum,] shines [in a revealed manner] only until the conclusion of Atzilus, but it is also [invested] in Beriah, Yetzirah, and Asiyah in a hidden manner.4 See Torah Or, Parshas Bo.

Concluding with blessings for a good and sweet year, a kesivah vechasimah tovah, for yourself and for your entire household. With greetings to the entire brotherhood.

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson