The Whole Truth

By the Grace of G-d
Nissan, 5721

Brooklyn, N.Y.

...Fortunately, one can observe a gratifying change in the attitude of the young generation of American Jews, in that they are not afraid of commitment to the truth, if the full truth be presented to them. Even though some are not yet prepared to accept all the commandments, they at least consider themselves mature enough to be given the truth about Yiddishkeit straight from the shoulder, and resent being treated as children who can only swallow a pill if it is sugarcoated. No doubt in your dealings with young people you have noticed this yourself. At the same time it does not mean that the approach is that of “either-or,” that is to say, either he accepts all the Mitzvoth, or else I will have nothing to do with him. It should be explained that even if he is not yet prepared to accept all the commandments as a total commitment, he is not free from the obligation to observe and fulfill all those commandments which he can, until he will gradually reach the maximum which is incumbent upon him as a Jew, which is facilitated by the fact that “one Mitzvah brings another in its train.” Underlying it all is the conviction, as explained at length in the Tanya, that every Jew possesses a Divine soul which is truly a spark of G-d above. This Divine soul gives him the ability to overcome all obstacles in his way to fulfill his duties and obligations as a Jew, which, if he fulfills them are the channels and vessels to receive and enjoy G-d’s blessings, both materially and spiritually...