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Is it true that one should not learn Nigleh on Shabbos?
Such a notion can be understood from a statement recorded in Kuntrus Eitz Chaim by the Rebbe Rashab in which he writes that Shabbos should be a day dedicated completely for Chassidus. However, the Rebbe famously said that one should learn 1/3 Nigleh on Shabbos.
See Toras Menachem 5713 Sichas 23rd Teves and Yud Shevat p. 286 and 335
“21. Regarding the study of Chassidus on Shabbat, Shpitz Chabad can come along and say that it is “forbidden” to study Gemara on Shabbat.
It is explicitly stated in the words of the Rebbe Maharash that on Shabbat one should study two-thirds from books of ethics (mussar) and one-third Gemara.
And it is understood that he himself behaved this way. In general, the Rebbe Rayatz spoke very little about himself, and when he wanted to tell something about himself, he would tell it as a story about his father.
22. The Rebbe Rayatz once said that his father (the Rebbe Rashab) would study on Shabbat two-thirds from books of ethics and one-third Gemara.
And he added: “And I do the same.”
This is a clear directive from the Rebbe Rayatz regarding the study of Gemara on Shabbat.
23. Therefore, it is proper that on Shabbat one should study two-thirds from books of ethics and one-third Gemara.
And this is not only permissible but even desirable and appropriate.