The Threat of America — and the Unwavering Resolve to Remain in the Holy Land
מכתב 47
Source: https://ajew.org/reader/michtevay-shmuel/2/47

Segment 1
HE:
ב"ה יום ו' עש"ק פ' במדבר מ"ג לספירה פעה"ק ירושלים ת"ו [תרצ"ב]

EN:
A good inscribing and sealing[כוח"ט = כתיבה וחתימה טובה — "a good inscribing and sealing." The standard Rosh Hashana greeting.] — and a good and sweet new year — and all good things, forever — to his honor, my beloved, my dear — the precious and exalted one — who longs and yearns for the service of Hashem in truth — and for the drawing close to the flowing river [הנחל נובע — "the flowing river / the flowing stream." A name or honorific for the Rebbe or a specific spiritual guide — derived from Proverbs 18:4: "the words of a person's mouth are deep waters — a flowing stream, a source of wisdom." Used here as an epithet suggesting the correspondent is connected to a living source of Torah wisdom.] — of blessed memory — his honor, his splendor, his glory, our master Rabbi Tzvi Yosef Vasilefsky[כמה"ר = כבוד מורינו הרב — "the honor of our master, our teacher, our Rabbi." The standard full salutation honorific.], may his light shine — and all his household, may they live.[כב"ב = וכל בני ביתו — "and all the members of his household." V'chol bnei beiso — the standard extension of the blessing to the family.]

Segment 2
HE:
שלום וברכה לכבוד אחי חביבי יקירי נפשי ולבבי וכל חיותי הבחור המופלג וירא אלקים וכו' מר אהרן נ"י

EN:
After inquiring after your precious wellbeing with great love — as for our own wellbeing — thanks be to Hashem. About two weeks ago I sent his honor 20 copies of the book "Eden Tzion" — please fulfill your promise to sell them — so that through this I can pay the debts and redeem the holy book "Ya'alas Chen" — as we discussed. I think his honor will sell a book for two and a half or three dollars — however you can. And his honor should send me the money to my address here: "Shmuel Horovitz — Milner House — Jerusalem — Land of Israel." And the merit of this great commandment — that his honor will endeavor in this — to begin with these twenty books and complete all the four hundred books I have — so that we can bring out the holy and awe-inspiring book "Ya'alas Chen" — that is: Torah 1 from Likutay Moharan — with everything relevant to it — which is so very needed — for this is the essential Torah in depth as brought in the words of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל. [ספר "יעלת חן" — Torah 1 of Likutay Moharan — "Ya'alas Chen — Grace of the Deer." As introduced in Letter 45: a planned commentary-guide to LM Torah 1 (the Rebbe's foundational teaching on Torah study in depth, silence, and the rectification of the covenant). The author has been working on this project for years — it appears in Letters 45 and 47 as the great ambition of his literary work. The name Ya'alas Chen comes from Proverbs 5:19.] For this is the essential greatness of the Rebbe's books and their virtue — as brought in the words of R' Avraham זצ"ל. [ר' אברהם ז"ל — "R' Avraham of blessed memory." Likely R' Avraham b'R' Nachman of Tulchin (1849–1917) — the grandson of R' Nossan's student R' Nachman of Tulchin — one of the most important Breslov leaders of his generation, known for his deep knowledge of the Rebbe's teachings. Alternatively, this may refer to another R' Avraham in the Breslov tradition.] And this is in the aspect of "all who performs a commandment as it was commanded — no bad tidings are brought to him" — as brought in the Talmud. [Talmud, Shabbos 63a — "Anyone who performs a commandment exactly as it was commanded — no bad tidings will be brought to him."]

Segment 3
HE:
ראשית הנני פורש שלומך הטוב באהבה רבה.

EN:
The Chosen Commandment; Torah Study in Depth = "Im Bechukosai Teileichu"; Revealing the Virtue to the Chosen People And such a commandment is called: "in what does your father take most care?" [אבוך במאי זהיר טפי — "In what does your father take most care?" Talmud Shabbos 118b — the question asked by R' Yosef when someone died and appeared to him in a dream. The teaching: every person must perform all the commandments — but must also choose one commandment in which to be especially meticulous, devoting one's primary energy and care to its fullest performance. Applied here: supporting the printing of the Rebbe's books in depth is the "chosen commandment" of the one who does it.] That is: every person is obligated to fulfill all the commandments according to what he can. But one commandment one must choose for himself — that all his endeavor will be in it — and to fulfill it in all its details and minutiae and so on. And likewise in the study of Torah — which is equivalent to all the commandments — and there is no estimation for it — as brought in the Jerusalem Talmud: there is a dispute — one says: "and all your desires do not compare to her" — but the desires of Heaven can compare to her — and one says: "and all your desires do not compare to her" — even the desires of Heaven. [Jerusalem Talmud, Peah 1:1 — the dispute on the verse from Proverbs 3:15 about the surpassing value of Torah.] All the more so the hidden Torah — which is the inner dimension of the Torah. And all the more so — and all the more so — the books of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל — which are the hidden within the hidden — in the aspect of Atika — and they are counsels for practice — for keeping and doing and fulfilling. Within this very matter there are also many many levels of study — as brought: that one must study the holy Torah — both the Shulchan Aruch[ש"ע = שולחן ערוך — "the Shulchan Aruch — the Code of Jewish Law."] — and the Tanach[תנ"ך = תורה נביאים כתובים — "Torah, Prophets, and Writings." The complete Hebrew Bible. תנ"ך = the initials of its three sections.] — and the Mishnah — and the Talmud — and the holy Zohar — and so on. And also in the books of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל themselves — one must study a session of Likutay Moharan[לק"מ = לקוטי מוהר"ן — "Likutay Moharan." The standard abbreviation.] simply — and Likutay Halachos[לק"ה = לקוטי הלכות — "Likutay Halachos." The standard abbreviation for R' Nossan's monumental halachic-Chassidic work based on the Rebbe's teachings.] — and the other books of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל. But the study in depth — is in the aspect of the commandment "as it was commanded" — to make from it a prayer — and that all one's springs be in it — and to walk with the Torah — as brought: "If in My statutes you will walk" — and Rashi's commentary: on condition that you will toil in the Torah — that is: that all one's thoughts and will and longings and desires will be in the Torah — and how to fulfill it. This is the Torah in depth — as brought extensively in the pamphlet "Ya'alas Chen" mentioned above. And through this: "And I will give the rains of your land" — that is: all the blessings and salvations will be fulfilled. And therefore[א"כ = אם כן — "and therefore / if so." The logical conclusion marker.] it is a very great matter — to bring this book to the chosen people. And as brought in the words of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל: "the upright way requires revealing the virtue to the chosen people" — as brought in Torah 21 — "Atika" — in Likutay Moharan — see there. That is: to reveal to the chosen people everything they can merit through this virtue of Torah study in depth and so on. And the merit of this awesome commandment will stand for him — for merit on the Day of Judgment. For this is the matter of charity and acts of kindness through one's body. And it is written: "In righteousness I will behold Your face." And it is said in the selichos and the machzor of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur — greatly — how kindness and charity intercede on behalf of the person. And also: our master the Rebbe זצ"ל brings in the Sefer HaMidos — that through charity one sweetens the judgment of the Day of Judgment of the future. And it is understood that all the more so this sweetens the judgment of Rosh Hashana — which is an aspect of the great Day of Judgment.

Segment 4
HE:
ועתה אחי יקירי אבשרך בשורה טובה שב"ה בנסים גדולים ממש של פסח ושל פורים שיצאתי ממות לחיים ומשעבוד לגאולה אחר גודל היסורים והסכנות שעברו עלי בלי שיעור וערך כלל אשר א"א לשער במוח כלל ומכ"ש לספר וממש בכל רגע הייתי מוכן להריגה ולתלי' ח"ו כי חשדו אותי במה שחשדו רח"ל מה אומר ומה אדבר אילו כל הימים דיו וכו' א"א לספר ולשער היסורים והפחדים שעברו עלי וגודל הנסים שעשה השי"ת עמדי. והנה הייתי בתפיסה ג' חדשים במוסקבה וחודש באדעס וזה ב' שבועות וחצי שהעלו אותי על הספינה בנסים גדולים שלא עפ"י הטבע כלל ובאתי ב"ה לאה"ק ביום ה' בחקותי וביום ו' העבר באתי לירושלים ונכנסתי בבית חותני היקר שיחי' והנני ביחד עם זוגתי היקרה הצוה"ח שתחי' ובני היקר הנחמד שי"נ והננו צריכים לילך להיות סמוך על שלחני בעצמי כי אצל חותני א"א להיות כלל כי הוא עני ואביון ע"כ מוכרח תיכף לירד מעל שלחנו.

EN:
Elul = Teshuvah from Love; "Behind the Lion / Not Behind the Maiden"; Rosh Hashana Practices; The Ten Days And behold — in the month of Elul — the days of will — the days of mercy — the teshuvah is from love and kindness — [before the awe-inspiring days come — the days of judgment — and then the teshuvah is in the aspect of awe]. And it is brought in the holy books: "Behind the lion" — [that is: to do teshuvah and prepare oneself after Av — that is: in Elul] — "and not behind the maiden" — [that is: after Elul] — in Tishrei. For one must prepare oneself and begin beforehand — for then it is easier — and "His right hand is extended to receive those who return." As brought in the intentions of Elul. And teshuvah in simplicity: to hear one's humiliation — to be still and silent — that is: to be ashamed before Hashem for one's sins — and to confess them — [and all with love and joy — in the aspect of "if I ascend to the heavens" and so on — and "if I make my bed in Sheol" — to strengthen oneself in ascent and descent however it may be. And as long as one is not strong — to always hold onto Hashem — in ascent and descent — however it may be — this is not called true teshuvah. And only when one is very strong as mentioned — that however it may be — however it may be — he will hold himself to Hashem — then "the right hand of Hashem is extended to receive his teshuvah." That is: as mentioned — if one holds to the right hand of Hashem — who trusts in Hashem and in His kindness — and holds himself in the right hand of kindness — love and kindness: both to himself and to others — to judge favorably and to seek the good points — "only good and kindness" — then "the right hand of Hashem is extended" — measure for measure.] And on Erev Rosh Hashana one must give a pidyon [פדיון — "a pidyon — a redemption." In Breslov tradition, the giving of a sum of money — connected to the letters of one's name — to the Tzaddik (or, after the Rebbe's passing, to a Breslov elder or at the gravesite) as a spiritual redemption of the soul. The practice is deeply rooted in Kabbalistic tradition and was central to R' Nachman's approach.] — as is the custom of our Chassidim — to give one to one's friend a pidyon. And to recite the ten chapters of Psalms [עשרה קפיטל תהלים — "the ten chapters of Psalms." The Tikkun HaKelali — the ten specific Psalms (16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, 150) designated by Rabbi Nachman as the General Rectification of the covenant — to be said with connection to the Rebbe. On Erev Rosh Hashana this practice takes on special significance as a spiritual preparation.] — in connection to our master the Rebbe זצ"ל. And the verbal confession — in connection to our master the Rebbe זצ"ל — [and better to take the book of Likutay Moharan in hand at the time of the verbal confession] — as if saying them at the grave-site of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל in Uman. And to be connected to the Rosh Hashana gathering — and Erev Rosh Hashana[ער"ה = ערב ראש השנה — "Erev Rosh Hashana / the eve of the New Year."] — everything together with the other Breslover Chassidim and the gatherings everywhere — and in particular in Jerusalem — and in Meron — and in Uman. And one must be wise — to think good thoughts on Rosh Hashana — that Hashem will do good with us in all goods — as brought in Shichos HaR"an. And one must be joyous and glad of heart on Rosh Hashana — and cry from within joy and will toward Hashem. And "eat rich foods and drink sweet things" and so on — "for the joy of Hashem is your strength." And during the Ten Days of Repentance[עשי"ת = עשרת ימי תשובה — "the Ten Days of Repentance / the Ten Days of Return." The ten days from Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur — the most intense penitential period of the Jewish year.] one can rectify each day — all the days of the entire year — as brought in the writings of the Arizal: that on Sunday of the Ten Days of Repentance one can rectify all the Sundays of all the years until now. And on Monday — all the Mondays of the week from all the years — and so on. And on Shabbos Teshuvah — all the Shabbosses of all the years. And so all the days of the week. And all in the manner mentioned above. For the Torah "Call out to Joshua" — the intentions of Elul — our master the Rebbe זצ"ל said: specifically on Shabbos Teshuvah. And Sukkos and Shemini Atzeres[שמע"צ = שמיני עצרת — "Shemini Atzeres — the Eighth Day of Assembly." The festival following the seven days of Sukkos, observed together with Simchas Torah (the Rejoicing of the Torah) in Israel on the same day.] and Simchas Torah[ש"ת = שמחת תורה — "Simchas Torah — the Rejoicing of the Torah." The final day of the Sukkos festival season, when the annual Torah reading cycle is completed and begun anew.] — certainly teshuvah from love and great kindnesses.

Segment 5
HE:
והנה אני עכשיו בערום וחוסר כל וצריך איזה סכום על כלי בית ופרנסה ואין לי שום מראה מקום ושום משען ומשענה ושום עזר משום מקום. ובכלל המצב פה בירושלים מאד לא טוב ובפרט הישיבות והכוללות שנותנים בהם אחר שמונה שבועות בעד חצי חודש וגם זה לא יש ובפרט שאני צריך רחמים שיקבלו אותי לישבה תורת חיים שלמדתי קודם וכמה אני עומד שם 2 פונט נמצא שאוכל לקבל חצי פונט לחודש אם יקבלו אותי לשם וגם לזה צריך הרבה השתדלות. וגם הכולל נותנים בעד חודש טז' שבועות נמצא שמהכולל יש לי רבע פונט לחודש. זהו כל ההכנסות שאני מקוה שיהי' אחר ההשתדלות ומה יספיק זה השי"ת ירחם ובפרט שבני נ"י הוא חלש וצריך פילניש (אוכל בריא ומשביע) וכן אני חלש וכואב מהיסורים שעברו עלי וכן זוגתי תחי' השי"ת ירחם.

EN:
And such a commandment is called: "in what does your father take most care?" [אבוך במאי זהיר טפי — "In what does your father take most care?" Talmud Shabbos 118b — the question asked by R' Yosef when someone died and appeared to him in a dream. The teaching: every person must perform all the commandments — but must also choose one commandment in which to be especially meticulous, devoting one's primary energy and care to its fullest performance. Applied here: supporting the printing of the Rebbe's books in depth is the "chosen commandment" of the one who does it.] That is: every person is obligated to fulfill all the commandments according to what he can. But one commandment one must choose for himself — that all his endeavor will be in it — and to fulfill it in all its details and minutiae and so on. And likewise in the study of Torah — which is equivalent to all the commandments — and there is no estimation for it — as brought in the Jerusalem Talmud: there is a dispute — one says: "and all your desires do not compare to her" — but the desires of Heaven can compare to her — and one says: "and all your desires do not compare to her" — even the desires of Heaven. [Jerusalem Talmud, Peah 1:1 — the dispute on the verse from Proverbs 3:15 about the surpassing value of Torah.] All the more so the hidden Torah — which is the inner dimension of the Torah. And all the more so — and all the more so — the books of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל — which are the hidden within the hidden — in the aspect of Atika — and they are counsels for practice — for keeping and doing and fulfilling.

Segment 6
HE:
ע"כ אבקשך אחי יקירי אולי תזכה לקיים המצוה ומבשרך אל תתעלם לראות לשלוח איזה סכום על התחלה וגם לסייע במעמד חדשי היינו לקבל על עצמך לשלוח לי בכל חודש סכום ידוע כפי כוחך וגם להשתדל אצל אחרים ולעורר אחי זלמן נ"י וגם הקרובים אולי ירצו לעזור במה שיוכלו. אחי יקירי אבקשך עוד פעם לבלי לשכוח מזה ולעשות כל מה שתוכל לעשות לעזור ולסייע לי ולב"ב שאוכל לדור עם ב"ב ולישב במנוחה על התורה ועל העבודה ובזכות זה תזכה לכל הברכות הכתובים בתורה והי"ת יעזור לך שתזכה לחזור לאה"ק בהצלחה מרובה ולמצא זווגך הראוי ולישב ללמוד תורה בטהרה באה"ק מתוך הרחבה אכי"ר ממני אחיך המצפה והמגעגע מאד אחריך והמתפלל בעדך

EN:
Within this very matter there are also many many levels of study — as brought: that one must study the holy Torah — both the Shulchan Aruch[ש"ע = שולחן ערוך — "the Shulchan Aruch — the Code of Jewish Law."] — and the Tanach[תנ"ך = תורה נביאים כתובים — "Torah, Prophets, and Writings." The complete Hebrew Bible. תנ"ך = the initials of its three sections.] — and the Mishnah — and the Talmud — and the holy Zohar — and so on. And also in the books of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל themselves — one must study a session of Likutay Moharan[לק"מ = לקוטי מוהר"ן — "Likutay Moharan." The standard abbreviation.] simply — and Likutay Halachos[לק"ה = לקוטי הלכות — "Likutay Halachos." The standard abbreviation for R' Nossan's monumental halachic-Chassidic work based on the Rebbe's teachings.] — and the other books of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל. But the study in depth — is in the aspect of the commandment "as it was commanded" — to make from it a prayer — and that all one's springs be in it — and to walk with the Torah — as brought: "If in My statutes you will walk" — and Rashi's commentary: on condition that you will toil in the Torah — that is: that all one's thoughts and will and longings and desires will be in the Torah — and how to fulfill it. This is the Torah in depth — as brought extensively in the pamphlet "Ya'alas Chen" mentioned above. And through this: "And I will give the rains of your land" — that is: all the blessings and salvations will be fulfilled. And therefore[א"כ = אם כן — "and therefore / if so." The logical conclusion marker.] it is a very great matter — to bring this book to the chosen people. And as brought in the words of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל: "the upright way requires revealing the virtue to the chosen people" — as brought in Torah 21 — "Atika" — in Likutay Moharan — see there. That is: to reveal to the chosen people everything they can merit through this virtue of Torah study in depth and so on.

Segment 7
HE:
שמואל הורוויץ נא ונא לכתוב לי בכל פעם משלומך הטוב באריכות להחיות את נפשי ממני הנ"ל הנני דו"ש אהוביי דודיי היקרים וכב"ב שי"נ וכל הידידים וכל ישראל ומאחלם כל טוב אמן

EN:
And the merit of this awesome commandment will stand for him — for merit on the Day of Judgment. For this is the matter of charity and acts of kindness through one's body. And it is written: "In righteousness I will behold Your face." And it is said in the selichos and the machzor of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur — greatly — how kindness and charity intercede on behalf of the person. And also: our master the Rebbe זצ"ל brings in the Sefer HaMidos — that through charity one sweetens the judgment of the Day of Judgment of the future. And it is understood that all the more so this sweetens the judgment of Rosh Hashana — which is an aspect of the great Day of Judgment.

And behold — in the month of Elul — the days of will — the days of mercy — the teshuvah is from love and kindness — [before the awe-inspiring days come — the days of judgment — and then the teshuvah is in the aspect of awe]. And it is brought in the holy books: "Behind the lion" — [that is: to do teshuvah and prepare oneself after Av — that is: in Elul] — "and not behind the maiden" — [that is: after Elul] — in Tishrei. For one must prepare oneself and begin beforehand — for then it is easier — and "His right hand is extended to receive those who return." As brought in the intentions of Elul. And teshuvah in simplicity: to hear one's humiliation — to be still and silent — that is: to be ashamed before Hashem for one's sins — and to confess them — [and all with love and joy — in the aspect of "if I ascend to the heavens" and so on — and "if I make my bed in Sheol" — to strengthen oneself in ascent and descent however it may be. And as long as one is not strong — to always hold onto Hashem — in ascent and descent — however it may be — this is not called true teshuvah. And only when one is very strong as mentioned — that however it may be — however it may be — he will hold himself to Hashem — then "the right hand of Hashem is extended to receive his teshuvah." That is: as mentioned — if one holds to the right hand of Hashem — who trusts in Hashem and in His kindness — and holds himself in the right hand of kindness — love and kindness: both to himself and to others — to judge favorably and to seek the good points — "only good and kindness" — then "the right hand of Hashem is extended" — measure for measure.]

And on Erev Rosh Hashana one must give a pidyon [פדיון — "a pidyon — a redemption." In Breslov tradition, the giving of a sum of money — connected to the letters of one's name — to the Tzaddik (or, after the Rebbe's passing, to a Breslov elder or at the gravesite) as a spiritual redemption of the soul. The practice is deeply rooted in Kabbalistic tradition and was central to R' Nachman's approach.] — as is the custom of our Chassidim — to give one to one's friend a pidyon. And to recite the ten chapters of Psalms [עשרה קפיטל תהלים — "the ten chapters of Psalms." The Tikkun HaKelali — the ten specific Psalms (16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, 150) designated by Rabbi Nachman as the General Rectification of the covenant — to be said with connection to the Rebbe. On Erev Rosh Hashana this practice takes on special significance as a spiritual preparation.] — in connection to our master the Rebbe זצ"ל. And the verbal confession — in connection to our master the Rebbe זצ"ל — [and better to take the book of Likutay Moharan in hand at the time of the verbal confession] — as if saying them at the grave-site of our master the Rebbe זצ"ל in Uman. And to be connected to the Rosh Hashana gathering — and Erev Rosh Hashana[ער"ה = ערב ראש השנה — "Erev Rosh Hashana / the eve of the New Year."] — everything together with the other Breslover Chassidim and the gatherings everywhere — and in particular in Jerusalem — and in Meron — and in Uman. And one must be wise — to think good thoughts on Rosh Hashana — that Hashem will do good with us in all goods — as brought in Shichos HaR"an. And one must be joyous and glad of heart on Rosh Hashana — and cry from within joy and will toward Hashem. And "eat rich foods and drink sweet things" and so on — "for the joy of Hashem is your strength." And during the Ten Days of Repentance[עשי"ת = עשרת ימי תשובה — "the Ten Days of Repentance / the Ten Days of Return." The ten days from Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur — the most intense penitential period of the Jewish year.] one can rectify each day — all the days of the entire year — as brought in the writings of the Arizal: that on Sunday of the Ten Days of Repentance one can rectify all the Sundays of all the years until now. And on Monday — all the Mondays of the week from all the years — and so on. And on Shabbos Teshuvah — all the Shabbosses of all the years. And so all the days of the week. And all in the manner mentioned above. For the Torah "Call out to Joshua" — the intentions of Elul — our master the Rebbe זצ"ל said: specifically on Shabbos Teshuvah. And Sukkos and Shemini Atzeres[שמע"צ = שמיני עצרת — "Shemini Atzeres — the Eighth Day of Assembly." The festival following the seven days of Sukkos, observed together with Simchas Torah (the Rejoicing of the Torah) in Israel on the same day.] and Simchas Torah[ש"ת = שמחת תורה — "Simchas Torah — the Rejoicing of the Torah." The final day of the Sukkos festival season, when the annual Torah reading cycle is completed and begun anew.] — certainly teshuvah from love and great kindnesses.

This forty-seventh letter — Thursday, 9 Elul 5720 (September 1960) — is out of chronological sequence in the manuscript: surrounding letters are from 1963–64 while this is from 1960. Addressed to R' Tzvi Yosef Vasilefsky — a new correspondent. The letter revolves around selling the book "Eden Tzion" and funding "Ya'alas Chen" on LM Torah 1.

The book project (§2): 20 copies of "Eden Tzion" were sent — please sell them at $2.50–$3.00 each. Proceeds go to fund "Ya'alas Chen" — the Torah 1 commentary — the most needed book in the world. R' Avraham זצ"ל testified to the greatness of the Rebbe's books. The merit: "all who performs a commandment as it was commanded — no bad tidings are brought to him" (Shabbos 63a).

Torah study in depth (§3): "In what does your father take most care?" (Shabbos 118b) — one must choose a primary commandment. Torah study = equivalent to all commandments (Yerushalmi Peah 1:1: dispute whether even heavenly desires compare to Torah). The Rebbe's books = hidden within the hidden = Atika = practical counsels. Study in depth = commandment "as it was commanded" = walk with the Torah = "Im Bechukosai Teileichu" (Rashi: toiling in the Torah). Through this: "And I will give the rains of your land." LM Torah 21 ("Atika"): "the upright way requires revealing the virtue to the chosen people." Charity for publishing = sweetens the Day of Judgment (Sefer HaMidos).

Elul and Rosh Hashana (§4): "Behind the lion / not behind the maiden" — teshuvah must begin in Elul not Tishrei. Teshuvah from love in Elul; teshuvah from awe in Tishrei. Teshuvah in simplicity = hear one's humiliation = be still and silent. Erev Rosh Hashana: give a pidyon, recite the ten Psalms (Tikkun HaKelali) in connection to the Rebbe, verbal confession holding Likutay Moharan, connect to all Breslov gatherings. Rosh Hashana: think good thoughts; joy and weeping from within joy; eat rich foods ("the joy of Hashem is your strength"). The Ten Days of Repentance: each day of the week repairs all the corresponding days of the entire year (Arizal). The Torah "Kra es Yehoshua" (LM §6) — specifically on Shabbos Teshuvah. Sukkos and Shemini Atzeres = teshuvah from love and great kindnesses.

Key terms: R' Tzvi Yosef Vasilefsky — new correspondent; 9 Elul 5720 · Eden Tzion — 20 copies at $2.50–$3.00 — book-selling for the Ya'alas Chen fund · Ya'alas Chen on LM Torah 1 — Torah study in depth; the great ambition of the correspondence · Kol ha'oseh mitzvah k'mo'amarah — Shabbos 63a — no bad tidings for one who fulfills a commandment as commanded · Avuch b'mai zahir tafei — Shabbos 118b — the chosen commandment · Im Bechukosai Teileichu — Rashi: she'tihyu amelim baTorah — toiling in Torah = walking with it · LM Torah 21 — Atika — "the upright way requires revealing the virtue to the chosen people" · Acharei ari / v'lo acharei besulah — teshuvah behind Av (Elul) not behind Elul (Tishrei) · Pidyon on Erev Rosh Hashana — the Breslov custom · Ten Psalms — Tikkun HaKelali — holding LM during verbal confession · The Ten Days: each day repairs all its weekday counterparts from all past years — Arizal · LM Torah 6 — specifically on Shabbos Teshuvah