Letter 224

Behold I entice him and urge him and strengthen him — to overcome and to draw close and to bind himself to the light of the Tzadik — and to receive his words — which are alive and enduring forever. Before the day breathes and the shadows flee…

…Who has dedicated his broad heart and his blessed abilities — and thinks deep thoughts and immense stratagems — to magnify, to glorify and to publicize the name of the true Tzadik — who surpasses all the Tzadikim — and is a shelter and a shield for us for the generations of eternity. Even within all kinds of darkness and distancing that passes over each and every one in these generations. Fortunate are you, my brother — fortunate are you a thousandfold — for the inwardness of your heart understands and feels the truly true truth that now illuminates throughout all the worlds. Peace and abundant salvation!

(And I have no words.) Because of the fatigue of my soul from the bitter afflictions from every side — that overpower me from all sides — not upon you — and that surround me from all sides… I have no mind and I have no words and strength to write. But for the sake of the pleasantness of your love embedded in the very depths of my heart — I have written with all my strength. For Hashem knows and is witness — and your heart too understands and knows well — that your soul is bound to my soul. And I do not remove my mind from you — every day always. For I know you — that it is rooted in the inwardness of your heart: the point of holy faith in Hashem and in His Torah and in the true Tzadik — the most select of the most select Tzadikim — who is the spring of all the salvations. And in his words one can find consolation and give life to our souls always. (And therefore I am obligated to engage in this.)

…Who has dedicated his entire life and his broad heart and his blessed abilities and all his vitality — to magnify, to glorify and to publicize the name of the true and only Tzadik in the world — elevated above and above all the truly genuine Tzadikim — the singular ones of the generations. Who is a shelter and a shield for us for the generations of eternity — even within all kinds of darkness and distancing of each and every one — that passes in these our generations… Fortunate are you, my brother — fortunate are you a thousandfold!

Who has dedicated his broad heart and his blessed abilities and all his vitality — to magnify and to glorify and to publicize the name of the true and only Tzadik in the world — elevated above and above all the truly genuine and most select Tzadikim — the singular ones of the generations. Who is a shelter and a shield for us for the generations of eternity — even within all kinds of darkness and distancing of each and every one — that passes in these our generations… (Who binds the souls of Israel to Hashem Yisburach like a seal upon his heart.)