Appendix Letter 1

Train yourself to stand beside the truly wise one — and hear and listen to his words. Do not be lazy to seek wisdom. Do not toil for the wind — and do not listen to words that have no benefit. Set him always before you — and place…

Do not slacken your hand from acquiring for yourself a faithful friend — and guard him — and do not lose him. Day and night — let his remembrance not depart from you. Always set him before you.

(Do not say of a commandment: I will perform it tomorrow — lest you have no opportunity to perform it.)

Do not be separated from the contemplation of wisdom and moral instruction. And roll yourself in the dust of the feet of truly genuine wise men — and become wise. Do not leave the path of the truth — even though they mock you. And do not be ashamed to speak of a commandment. Do not be lax about a commandment if it comes to your hand — and perform it for the sake of Heaven without delay. Straighten out the furrow of your feet — to straighten them on the path of truth. And pursue peace. Distance yourself from the path of falsehood — and pursue peace. Set between your eyes — always — the day of death. And the holy foods of the Tzadik — prepare for the journey — that they be ready for you. And provisions for the journey — prepare when they will be ready for you — for the day of the parting.

Who humbles himself like dust — and casts his own honor away — before every holy matter that concerns the benefit of the building and the affairs of the mighty and great-powered Tzadik — who has the power of attraction — to draw and to bring close the entire world to Hashem Yisburach. For this is the essential repair of the world.

(A good friend:)

Do not be lazy — to be a good friend to the truly God-fearing ones. Join their company. And from the company of the workers of falsehood — distance yourself.

(Establish fixed times for Torah study before going to sleep.)

Rejoice when you hear the reproof of the true Tzadik — like one who has found a great treasure.

Do not rely upon your own heart — and hear counsel and receive moral instruction. And be eager to do all that is incumbent upon you to do! Do not have the brazenness of face not to accept upon yourself the yoke of the Tzadik and his wisdom.