Daily Tanya Monday 12th Marcheshvan Igeres Hakodesh 27: Double Comfort and Eternal Connection: A Letter of Consolation

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Igeres Hakodesh 28

Double Comfort and Eternal Connection: A Letter of Consolation

 

Overview:

This letter, written by the Alter Rebbe to the Chassidic community in the Holy Land, offers profound comfort after the passing of Rabbi Menachem Mendel. It explains how the life and influence of a tzaddik continue beyond physical existence, strengthening those who were bound to him in love and truth. The message transforms grief into spiritual connection and purpose.

 

Summary of Key Points

  1. Consolation in Faith
  • The author opens with blessings for eternal life and words of comfort, emphasizing that the tzaddik’s passing is not an end but a transformation.
  • He seeks to “speak to the heart of the smitten” and provide “double support.”
  • Cites the teaching: “He left life for all the living”—meaning the tzaddik’s spiritual vitality continues to animate those connected to him.

  1. The Tzaddik’s Ongoing Influence
  • “Tzaddik be’emunato yichyeh”—the righteous live through faith, awe of God, and fiery love.
  • Even after ascending to higher realms, the tzaddik leaves behind the life of his spirit in those who were bound to him with bonds of love and truth.

 

  1. Eternal Bond Through Torah and Mitzvot
  • Those who follow his teachings and walk in his ways remain connected to his soul.
  • “As water reflects face to face”—love for the tzaddik draws down his spirit. Those who loved the tzaddik with pure and deep love remain bound to him forever.
  • His spirit is “within us,” especially when his disciples sanctify God’s name and continue his path. “Spirit rouses spirit”—the tzaddik’s ruach remains among his disciples when they sanctify G-d’s Name and walk in his ways.
  1. Practical Message
  • The greatest honor and comfort is to live according to his guidance, ensuring his influence endures.
  • This transforms grief into purpose: continuing his mission brings blessing and spiritual vitality.

 

Takeaway:

The tzaddik’s passing does not sever the bond with his followers. His spiritual life remains with them, empowering their service of God. True consolation lies in walking in his ways, which perpetuates his light and sanctifies God’s name.

About The Author

Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein is a 6th generation descendent of the famous Chief Rabbi of Izhmir, Rav Yehoshua Avraham Krispin, who authored a number of Sefarim, and was a colleague of Rav Chaim Falagi, and father in-law of the Pesach Hadvir. He currently lives with his wife Shayna, and twelve children K”H, in Tzfas, Israel. Rabbi Goldstein received Semicha from Rabbi Schneur Zalman Labkowski of the Tomchei Temimim headquarters in 2005 and served as a chaplain in the Lotar/Kalatz and K9 unit of the IDF from years 2005-2008. He is also a certified Shochet, and has performed Hashgacha work in slaughterhouses. Rabbi Goldstein is the director of Shulchanaruchharav.com, the world’s leading web-based Halacha database, and is the director of the Home Study Semicha Program, a self-study web-based Semicha program. He is a prolific author of over 50 Sefarim studied by a wide range of readers throughout the world, which is used regularly in Semicha programs around the globe. He is a world renowned Posek, answering questions to a web-based market, and serves as a local Posek, Rav, and Lecturer, in the Tzemach Tzedek community Shul in Tzefas, Israel. His many classes can be heard both from his website, Vimeo and YouTube channel. Students can join live to classes given in the Tzemach Tzedek Shul, through the “בית חבד צפת Chabad Tsfat” YouTube channel.