We hereby present Issue 117 of Rebbe Responsa, a compilation of letters originally authored by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in English, culled from the Rebbe Responsa app.
This week’s issue explores the delicate balance between spiritual self-improvement and joyful divine service. Through these letters, the Rebbe addresses the pitfalls of excessive introspection and guides us toward authentic spiritual growth rooted in simcha (joy) rather than frustration or bitter remorse.
The collection begins with a powerful message about the transition from Tisha b’Av’s mourning to the joy of Tu b’Av, teaching us that even our most difficult moments serve as catalysts for greater spiritual leaps. Moving from there, we present letters addressing this week’s subject directly, including a remarkable four-letter correspondence with an individual struggling with constant self-analysis, where the Rebbe patiently guides him away from debilitating introspection toward wholehearted service of G-d (For guidance on constructively harnessing dissatisfaction and guilt, see Rebbe Responsa Issue 33—Dissatisfaction, Issue 63—Guilt).
The Rebbe’s English letters represent a little-known facet of the Rebbe’s Torah, containing profound wisdom and practical guidance expressed in clear, accessible language. We encourage you to download the Rebbe Responsa app, which offers the only comprehensive collection of the Rebbe’s English letters available to date. With over 5,000 organized by both topic and date, the app makes finding the Rebbe’s guidance and opinion simple and accessible.
May we very soon merit the complete redemption with the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days.
The Rebbe Responsa Team
