After the deep Kabbalistic discussion of creation, Malchut, and practical mitzvot, the Alter Rebbe returns to a practical subject:
Supporting the Jews of Eretz Yisrael.
But his emphasis is not merely on giving. It is on giving promptly and consistently.
- A Call to Those Who Already Give
The Alter Rebbe addresses:
Those who regularly contribute to the support of the Holy Land.
He is not speaking to people who refuse to give.
Rather, he seeks:
- To encourage the generous.
- To strengthen those whose commitment has weakened.
- To urge regularity and promptness in giving.
- Give Throughout the Year
He encourages contributors not to wait until the end of the year.
Instead:
Give weekly if possible.
Or at least:
Monthly.
The practical point is that support should flow continuously rather than being postponed.
- Zerizut Is a Fundamental Value
The Alter Rebbe says that beyond the mitzvah itself stands another principle:
Zerizut (eagerness and promptness).
Chazal repeatedly teach:
“A person should always hasten to perform a mitzvah.”
A mitzvah done quickly expresses something deeper than a mitzvah done reluctantly or after delay.
- Avraham Avinu as the Model
The Alter Rebbe points to the Akeidah.
Surprisingly, he says the greatness of the Akeidah was not merely that Avraham was willing to sacrifice Yitzchak.
After all, many Jews throughout history gave their lives for Hashem even without direct prophecy.
So what was unique?
- The Greatness Was the Zerizut
Avraham rose early and acted immediately.
His alacrity revealed:
- Joy in serving Hashem.
- Love for Hashem.
- Desire to fulfill Hashem’s will.
The speed itself demonstrated the depth of his commitment.
- Zerizut Reveals Inner Love
This is the deeper idea.
A person may eventually do a mitzvah.
But when he runs toward it,
he reveals that the mitzvah is precious to him.
The action reflects not only obedience but affection.
Avraham’s quickness showed:
His delight in pleasing his Creator.
- Why This Applies Especially to Tzedakah
The Alter Rebbe says that this principle applies to all mitzvot,
but especially to:
Tzedakah.
Because tzedakah possesses unique power.
- Tzedakah Protects a Person
He reminds his readers of the verse:
“וצדקה תציל ממות“
“Tzedakah saves from death.”
If tzedakah can protect from death itself,
then certainly it can protect from lesser forms of suffering.
- Therefore Delay Is Unwise
The practical implication is obvious.
If tzedakah creates protection and blessing,
why postpone it?
A person is judged every day.
Therefore it is beneficial to perform the mitzvah as early as possible.
The protection begins immediately rather than later.
- The Connection to the Previous Letter
This letter continues the theme of Iggeret HaKodesh 20.
The previous letter concluded that:
The ultimate purpose is realized through practical action.
Now the Alter Rebbe applies that principle to tzedakah.
Not only is action primary.
Even within action:
Prompt action is superior.
The sooner the mitzvah becomes actual reality, the sooner the Divine purpose is fulfilled.
Key Takeaway
The Alter Rebbe urges his followers to support the Jews of Eretz Yisrael not only generously but promptly and consistently. Using Avraham Avinu’s zerizut at the Akeidah as the model, he teaches that eagerness reveals love for Hashem and transforms a mitzvah from mere obedience into joyful service. Because tzedakah protects, blesses, and saves from suffering, it should be given at the earliest opportunity rather than postponed.