Earlier (in Sections 8-9), the wording of the verse, “(for the) act he performed” was examined. We said that the nuanced wording intimates that the Essential Will for mitzvos is connected (not so much with one’s devotional thoughts when performing the mitzvos, but rather) with the deeds themselves. On this basis, we can also say that there is a hint in the haftorah to the Alter Rebbe’s hilula (Chaf-Dalet Teves), which in most years falls during the week of parshas Vaera:
Among the holy epistles included in the Book of Tanya by “the Rabbis, sons of the gaon, the author, may his soul rest in peace,” is an epistle of consolation (along with a passage that elucidates this epistle) which the Alter Rebbe wrote after the passing of Reb Mendel Horadoker, who was (not only a tzaddik but) a nassi.
This epistle (and its elucidation) conveys the message that after the passing of a tzaddik, a ray of “his deeds, Torah, and avodah of his whole life” is drawn to his disciples, etc. We find a wondrous matter in the epistle: The Alter Rebbe borrows language from this week’s haftorah: “(He leaves over the life of his spirit) the acts he performed.”
Generally, when reading this epistle cursorily (and especially before reading the elucidation), we might think that the Alter Rebbe employs the wording of Scripture, alliterations, etc., merely for the sake of rhetoric (as was common practice, especially in those days), similar to what scriptural commentators say regarding many verses in Scripture. However, upon examining the elucidation of the epistle (which the Alter Rebbe himself composed), we see that every word is precise and encapsulates an entire subject {warranting deeper analysis}.
This is bewildering (as we noted previously): Why does the Alter Rebbe specifically use this wording, which is said regarding Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon?
This is even more perplexing: The “elucidation” does not mention “the acts he performed.” On the contrary, the elucidation emphasizes (that they receive from the tzaddik) “through his speech and thoughts” and not his “acts” (deeds).
However, based on what was explained previously — that “the acts” allude to the excellency of deeds (in the realm of holiness) — we can posit that this is why the Alter Rebbe uses this wording in his epistle. This aspect is central to a tzaddik’s avodah, as explained below.
