Letter 76

[This letter opens mid-sentence in the source text.]

…Who thinks thoughts and stratagems — to magnify, to glorify and to publicize the name of the true Tzadik — who is the aspect of the spirit of Moshiach. Who subdues and shatters and nullifies the false faiths (which darken the eyes of the world) — that conceal and hide the light of the Tzadik and darken the eyes of the world. And who separate the feet from the head — meaning they cause a separation between the whole of Israel — the aspect of the feet — and the Tzadik, who is the head of the children of Israel. And through this the world is lacking in faith — and through this the external wisdoms have strengthened and multiplied — and books of heresy and apostasy have multiplied — which cast hatred and enmity between Israel and their Father in Heaven. Peace and abundant salvation!

The essential joy and delight of Hashem Yisburach is when those most distanced are returned in teshuvah. And the essential drawing close of the distant ones is through the true Tzadik and his disciples — who always labor in this, to arouse people from their sleep and to return them in teshuvah. And he labors even more at this repair after his passing — as is explained within. And he nullifies the false faiths — that conceal the light of the Tzadik and darken the eyes of the world. And that separate the feet from the head — causing a separation between the whole of Israel — the aspect of the feet — and the Tzadik, who is the head of the children of Israel. And through this the world is lacking in faith — and through this books of heresy and apostasy multiply — which cast hatred and enmity between Israel and their Father in Heaven.

He who thinks thoughts and counsels and stratagems — how to magnify, glorify and publicize the name of the great true Tzadik — in the aspect of Moshe Rabbainu — who annihilates and subdues and shatters and nullifies the false faiths — that darken the eyes of the world and conceal and hide the light of the true Tzadik. And who separate the feet from the head — meaning they cause a separation between the whole of Israel — who are the aspect of the feet — and the Tzadik — who is the head of the children of Israel. And through this the world is lacking in faith — and through this books of heresy and apostasy multiply — which cast hatred and enmity between Israel and their Father in Heaven.