from correspondence of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
Official free translation - Excerpts of a Letter
6th day of Tishrei
In the Ten Days of Return, 5737
To the Sons and Daughters of Our People Israel, Everywhere
G-d bless you all!
Greeting and Blessing:
The Ten Days of Return - in addition to their distinction as the days of Teshuvah "Return," being the propitious days in the year when Teshuvah can be more easily attained, and when it is also more effective, extending its influence also throughout the new year,
Are distinctive also in that in these days G-d makes His closeness to Jews felt even more than usual, as explained by our Sages, who interpret the verse, "Seek G-d when He is found, call on Him when He is near," as referring to the Ten Days of Return.
This means that during these propitious days all things connected with G-dliness are closer and more easily attainable than at any other time of the year. For, although a Jew is expected to be conscious of G-d's Presence at all times, as it is written, "I have set G-d before me always," and, as in everything, the essential thing is the deed, all good feelings and intentions having ultimately to be expressed (also) in tangible actions, which constitute the "vessels" wherein to receive G-d's blessings (as it is written, "And G-d your G-d will bless you in all that you do"); nevertheless, by virtue of the propitiousness of these days, one is capable of accomplishing more by the same action during the Ten Days of Return than at any other time, and incommensurably more with greater effort.
One aspect in regard to the above is that many matters which at any other time of the year can be accomplished only through the concerted action of Tzibbur (a quorum of at least ten), can be accomplished in the Ten Days of Return by an individual. And in view of the preeminence of a Tzibbur vis-à-vis an individual at all times it is clear that during the Ten Days of Return the results of an action b'Tzibbur are incomparably greater than those resulting from the same action carried out individually.
Be it noted that the preeminence of a Tzibbur vis-à-vis an individual is not limited to prayer, but pertains to all good activities and Mitzvos [commandments].
In light of the above, this is the time for a reminder and call about utilizing the present especially favorable days, by way of getting active more and more in all good things - and, whenever possible, to do them b'Tzibbur.
Beginning with the fulfillment of the Mitzva which is "the foundation and root of the whole Torah," namely, the Mitzva of V'ohavto lre'acho komocho ("Love your fellow as yourself"), which unifies Jews, all Jews, into one Tzibbur, and also, more specifically, getting involved in the "Three Pillars," Torah, Service (prayer) and acts of Loving kindness (Tzedoko), and to do them b'Tzibbur: having periods of Torah-study b'Tzibbur, prayer b'Tzibbur, and Tzedoko b'Tzibbur; Tzedoko being typical of all Mitzvos.
In the merit of Jews making themselves more readily "found" and "near" towards one another, and toward the Jewish people as a whole, and of every Jew individually and collectively towards all Three Pillars of Torah, Prayer and Tzedoko, the Almighty, on His part, will surely make Himself even more readily "found" and "near" to each and all of His people, and bless everyone and one's family, in the midst of all our Jewish people, with the Seal of a good year in all needs.
Including much success in all these good activities, mentioned above, which will further increase the Divine blessings also materially, with much true Nachas from children, long life and good health, and plentiful sustenance,
To the point of ultimate true "plentitude" - with the fulfillment of the promise "He will raise high the glory and strength of His anointed (Moshiach)," in other words, the true and complete Redemption through our righteous Moshiach, when "the glory and strength of the Tzaddik (righteous person) will be uplifted," meaning every Jew, since "Your people are all Tzaddikim," and all Jews together as one Tzibbur, in the singular form, Tzaddik.
With esteem and blessing for a Chasimo ugmar chasimo toivo for a good and sweet year,