This letter returns to a recurring theme in Chassidus:
There is a level in serving Hashem that is even higher than wisdom and understanding.
The Alter Rebbe writes under great pressure and limited time, but he wants to remind his chassidim of one fundamental point:
The essential service of a Jew is not merely understanding Hashem, but willing Himself to Hashem.
- A Brief Letter from Amid Great Burdens
The Alter Rebbe opens by apologizing.
His responsibilities and troubles surround him constantly, preventing him from writing at length.
Therefore he writes only as:
A reminder of what has already been taught.
- Strengthen Yourself in Prayer
He addresses especially:
The devoted chassidim.
They must strengthen themselves in:
Avodas hatefillah
with great force and perseverance.
Not casually.
Not only when convenient.
But:
Against every obstacle from within and without.
- What Gives a Jew This Strength?
The Alter Rebbe explains:
Not intellect.
Not understanding.
Not emotional inspiration.
Rather:
“רצון יראיו“
The simple will of those who fear Hashem.
This level is above:
- Chochmah
- Binah
- Daas
A Jew possesses a simple inner desire to fulfill the Creator’s will.
- Beyond Wisdom
Hashem gave people intellect in order to know how to serve Him.
But there is something even deeper than intellect:
Ratzon Pashut (simple will).
A Jew can continue serving Hashem even when he does not understand.
Even when he feels no inspiration.
Even when everything opposes him.
- “Ruach Nedivah”
The Alter Rebbe calls this:
“רוח נדיבה“
A generous, willing spirit.
The heart moves beyond calculation.
The person simply desires:
To bring nachas ruach to Hashem.
This is the essence of devotion.
- Why Is Israel Called “Stiff-Necked”?
The Alter Rebbe gives a striking interpretation of the verse:
“כי עם קשה עורף הוא“
“For it is a stiff-necked people.”
Normally this sounds like criticism.
Here he explains it positively.
The Jewish trait of stubbornness can become holy.
A Jew can stubbornly refuse to be separated from Hashem.
A Jew can stubbornly continue serving despite all opposition.
- Why Is This Connected to Forgiveness?
The verse continues:
“וסלחת“
“And You shall forgive.”
The Alter Rebbe explains that forgiveness comes from a place higher than wisdom.
- Wisdom Alone Would Demand Judgment
Chazal teach:
“They asked Wisdom…”
and Wisdom responded that sin deserves consequences.
Pure wisdom follows strict logic.
Measure for measure.
What is deserved.
- Forgiveness Comes from a Higher Place
But Hashem forgives.
Why?
Because forgiveness originates from a level beyond rational calculation.
Just as simple Jewish devotion comes from a level beyond intellect,
so too Divine forgiveness comes from a level beyond intellect.
Both emerge from the realm of supreme will.
- Moshe’s Request
The Alter Rebbe alludes to Moshe Rabbeinu’s prayers after the Sin of the Golden Calf.
Moshe sought access to that place beyond strict judgment.
Not merely justice.
Not merely wisdom.
But Divine mercy rooted in a level higher than both.
The Central Theme
Throughout this letter the Alter Rebbe is contrasting two dimensions:
Chochmah and Understanding
- Necessary.
- Valuable.
- Guides a person.
Ratzon Pashut
- Deeper than understanding.
- Remains even when understanding fails.
- Source of perseverance.
- Source of mesirus nefesh.
- Root of forgiveness.
Key Takeaway
The Alter Rebbe teaches that the deepest Jewish service is not intellectual understanding but simple, unwavering devotion to Hashem’s will. This “רצון פשוט” stands above wisdom itself and empowers a Jew to overcome every obstacle in prayer and avodah. Just as Divine forgiveness comes from a level beyond strict judgment and wisdom, so too the Jew’s deepest attachment to Hashem comes from a place beyond reason: the essence of the soul that simply desires to bring pleasure to its Creator.