By Chaim Levy
We all have dreams and ambitions.
Many people have a long standing passion, or dream career, but are yet unsure if they truly have what it takes to finally act upon the initiative they planned on doing for so long, or if they are the right man for the job to begin with.
In the letter below, we find an insightful bit of advice to a man struggling with these same questions.
Dovid* was a young man living in England, with the prospect of settling down and starting a family. In the letter, Dovid mentions to the Rebbe his dream of becoming an author.
In the Rebbe’s response, presented here for the first time, the Rebbe points out several things to bear in mind before getting into the field of authorship, and provides him with some practical advice for someone looking to start out in a new field.
The Rebbe directs him to seek the advice of others. The opinion of those knowledgeable in the field at hand, as well as that of a friend, who, being familiar with his personality, will be able to guide him as to whether or not he has the ability and concentration which writing a book demands.
This letter, written originally in English, is but a small gem in an archive containing thousands of the Rebbe’s English letters, soon to be made available to the public. For the thousands wishing to delve into this precious, yet inaccessible part of the Rebbe’s torah, this initiative is long overdue.
The letter discusses a topic found only in the Rebbe’s English letters, demonstrating, yet again, the unique and precious insights which can be found within these unknown treasures.
[It is interesting to point out that in accordance with the Halacha of not writing on chol hamoed the Rebbe’s signature does not appear at the bottom of the letter (as the Rebbe himself notes)].
*To hide the identity of the recipient of this letter his name has been changed.
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By the Grace of G-d
Chol Hamoed Succoth, 5724
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr. . .
England
Greeting and Blessing:
I received your letter of Erev Succoth and the previous ones.
As requested, I will remember you in prayer for the fulfillment of your heart’s desires for good.
With regard to your idea about becoming an author, the first thing to do would be to consult with those who are familiar in the publishing field, for it is possible that the subject which you have in mind to write about may already have been fully covered, and even if not, it is still doubtful whether it would command sufficient interest so as to provide a demand for such a book. It would also be well to consult with a person who knows you personally, and who could tell you if the effort and concentration which the writing of such a book requires are even within your capacities.
In general, however, it is my opinion that the writing of books is not something in which young men of your age should engage, regardless of the subject.
With regard to the question of a Shidduch, I believe I have written to you before that you should consult with your doctor, and obtain the cooperation of, friends in your environment.
Hoping to hear good news from you, and wishing you a happy Yom Tov
With blessing
(Because of Chol Hamoed, the letter is unsigned)
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The publication of this letter was made possible by an individual who realized the importance of sharing the letters they received from the Rebbe, making the decision to publicize these personal letters for the benefit of us all.
We request the readers of this article, those of you who may have received an English letter of their own, please share these priceless letters with us and enable thousands of people to gain insight and inspiration from these timeless messages.
To submit your letter reach out to us at [email protected]
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Zalman Pape does it again!
This is so needed