How Can I Repay the Rebbe?
Turning to the Rebbe for his advice is not a bother; if you want to do something in return, influence others to strengthen their connection to Torah and Mitzvos
ב"ה
12 Cheshvan 5711
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Rev. L. Sufrin
10, Catherine Road
Manchester 8, England
Dear Rev. Sufrin:
...As to your apology for troubling me and your question whether you can do anything in return, this matter cannot be termed “trouble.” You may have heard the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov as to how the three loves — love of G-d, love of Israel, and love of the Torah — are one, and — this of Rabbeinu Hazoken — a means to “Thou shalt love G-d thy G-d” is “Thou shalt love thy friend as thyself.” There is no question of trouble here at all. May G-d grant that every one of us, including you, do all you and every one of us can to help others.
However, since you have offered to do something in return, and everything is connected with the Divine Providence, I am enclosing herewith a copy of my Talk of Shabbos Breishis. I call your attention to pars. 21 and 22, where you will find some suggestions as to what you could do to strengthening Torah and Yiddishkeit. As to what this would mean to me — I refer you to the Rambam (Hilechot Teshuvah, Ch. 3, H. 4) where he states that Everyone should regard the world on the basis that the good and bad deeds are equally balanced. Thus, through a bad deed one tips the scale of the bad side, G-d forbid, and through a good deed one tips the scale on the good side. Therefore, if you follow the suggestions in the abovementioned paragraphs, you will increase the merits of the entire world, thus benefitting me also.
It would interest me to know what 'fixed times' you have for the study of the Torah in general, and no doubt for the study of Chassiduth also.
As already mentioned, you need not hesitate in writing to me at any time, but you must be patient if my reply is delayed because of pressure of work.
I hope to hear good news from you.
With blessings,
Cordially,
M. Schneerson
Source: Photocopy of the original.
Rev. Aryeh (Leonti) Sufrin (5659-5714) was a prominent leader in the Jewish community in Manchester, England, and worked in the offices of the Gateshead and Manchester Yeshivahs. Rev. Sufrin maintained a strong relationship with the Rebbe and was active in local Chabad activities. For additional letters addressed him, see footnotes to this letter on the Rebbe Responsa app.
