אות-יג

The essential strengthening of every person — however he is, he must strengthen himself so as not to fall further, G-d forbid. And the essential strengthening is through the Name — namely, through the Name of Hashem and the name of the true Tzadikim upon whom His name is called — which is the aspect of the Name of Hashem, for His name, may He be blessed, is associated with their names. For this is the essential strengthening and joy: that we merited that He did not make us non-Jews and He distinguished us from the erring, and the name of Israel is called upon us — which is the aspect of the Name of Hashem, for His name is associated with our name. And this is the essence of our hope and salvation: "For Hashem will not forsake His people for the sake of His great Name" [I Samuel 12:22]. And this is the essence of our trust, for in His holy Name we have trusted. And through this even the most frivolous and the worst, even the sinners of Israel, can strengthen themselves — since the name of Israel is still called upon them, they must greatly strengthen and revive themselves through this. All the more so one who has merited to draw close to the true Tzadikim in whom the essence of the glorification of Hashem's name lies — certainly he must greatly rejoice in that he merited to have their name called upon him. For truly since the name of Israel — which is the name of Hashem — is called upon us, we are obligated to rejoice all our days forever, for we still have hope for all the good and all the salvations and for forgiveness of sins — which is the essential cause of worry and sadness — for "I fear for my transgressions" [Psalms 38:19]. But the moment one remembers the Name of Hashem and greatly revives oneself through the fact that the name of Hashem and the name of Israel is called upon him — through this one merits forgiveness of sins. For from there flows forgiveness and pardon and atonement for all sins — as it is said: "And forgive our transgressions for the sake of Your Name." (Halachos of Shabbos, Halacha 5, Ois 15) And the essential thing is to strengthen oneself through joy in all manner of advice — for sadness is very harmful. Therefore one must strive with all one's might to distance and drive away sadness and melancholy — both by searching and finding within oneself still some good points, etc., and through the fact that He has not made one a non-Jew. And generally it is impossible to gladden oneself except through matters of levity and jest and laughter, as we have written all of this under the entry for "Joy" — see there. (ibid.)