The Rebbe’s advice

In honor of Chai Elul, birthdays of the Baal Shem Tov and Alter Rebbe, the Rebbe blesses that new vitality enter Elul—growing in Torah, prayer, charity, good deeds, and teshuvah, all hinted in “Elul.” He concludes with wishes for a good, sweet year and notes on sefarim and a requested transcript. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5743

The Rebbe is glad he used vacation to strengthen education, stressing the power of unity. He supports compiling a marriage guide, noting today's complex issues and the need for clarity from later poskim, as in Shdei Chemed and Otzar HaPoskim. He will mention those named at the Previous Rebbe's resting place and blesses with a good, sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5742

The Rebbe explains why women cover their hair rather than shave it. “Ervah” applies to married women regarding strangers, not their husbands, who may prefer natural hair. Spiritually, negative forces draw only when exposure allows it, whereas covering protects. This resolves the seeming contradiction with the Nazir. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5741

The Rebbe addresses his feelings of loneliness, noting the contradiction since his place is suited to spread Chassidus, and one is never alone with Hashem present. He encourages reflection, using challenges to increase holiness. With Chai Elul approaching, he urges joyful service and love for others, blessing him with success and a good year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5740

For the Kinus HaTemimim in Kfar Chabad, the Rebbe blesses that it succeed in inspiring participants to fulfill their mission—to be active lights among all Jews, spreading the warmth of Chassidus through prayer, Torah, mitzvos, and broad dissemination, hastening the coming of Mashiach. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5739

The Rebbe confirms receiving the pidyon nefesh and will mention it at the Previous Rebbe's resting place. In Elul, when “the King is in the field,” Hashem's mercy is increased. He praises his work in the community, especially with youth whose future is being shaped, and blesses him with a good and sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5738

The Rebbe advises consulting dermatologists rather than self-treatment or unverified experts. He stresses acting in Torah and mitzvos with dedication, not conditionally, since action itself brings reward. With Hashem's help, he should merit good news in health, physical and spiritual, and continue Chabad activities without disrupting study. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5737

The Rebbe notes the Rashba sefer has not yet arrived and encloses payment for shipping. He encourages adding strength in Torah, especially in its learners, as they precede all. This is the reason for spreading Chassidus broadly, even outward. He concludes with blessings for a good and sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5736

The Rebbe is pleased the Tanya project inspired many and urges continued growth, especially by preparing for Elul and Tishrei when Hashem is close. He will mention those listed at the Previous Rebbe's resting place, blesses with a good, sweet year, and cautions against difficult, draining fundraising trips. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5735

The Rebbe responds regarding the mikvah construction and financial challenges, asking what came of the fundraising efforts. On the idea of a donation box, he notes it was never tried locally, stressing that successful U.S. fundraising requires someone present to inspire. He concludes with blessings for a good and sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5734

The Rebbe notes the contradiction between seeing Hashem's blessing in the extension of his son's passport and then asking to reduce his Torah learning for a profession. He emphasizes these are prime years for Torah study, which brings true life and blessings, urging diligence and keeping the daily Chitas schedule. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5733

The Rebbe praises his role as shliach tzibur and urges him to inspire with words that lead to action, especially in the Ten Days of Repentance. Requests for prayer should bring added Torah and mitzvos, a channel for blessings. The Rebbe will mention the names at the Previous Rebbe's resting place and blesses with a good, sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5732

The Rebbe notes not receiving recent updates and would appreciate direct news of their well-being and activities. He inquires about an English article on Kfar Chabad by R. Gershon Segal, asking if it appeared in Hebrew. He concludes with heartfelt blessings for a good and sweet new year, both materially and spiritually. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5731

The Rebbe acknowledges the good news of improved health and prays for continued recovery. He advises consulting a doctor regarding nicotinic acid but emphasizes the main point: to strengthen trust in Hashem, the Healer of all, through which blessings are drawn more swiftly. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5730

The Rebbe advises patience before deciding on changes in the boy's studies, as time is needed to see the impact of yeshiva life. He emphasizes preserving youth's peace of mind, especially in today's turbulent times, and is pleased with the boy's growth. He blesses the family with harmony and true nachas. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5729

he Rebbe notes that opposition to his study and teaching of Chassidus shows success. He should respond with greater strength, spreading Torah's light with warmth and peace, without magnifying obstacles. Every Jew inwardly seeks the inner Torah, and this hastens Mashiach. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5728

The Rebbe advises not to alter the standard tnaim text, yet not to insist if no matter of Yiras Shamayim is involved, and to clarify objections. Remaining in innocence depends on diligence in Torah and mitzvos. Regarding studies, he should consult school leadership, who seek his good, and follow their guidance, with Hashem's blessing for success. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5727

The Rebbe blesses the chassan that his marriage be the beginning of a true Chassidic home, and that his work with students bring success. He expresses surprise that only a “part” of a maamar was reviewed, urging that the full maamar be learned and repeated, especially within the first month of marriage, and encouraging others in similar situations. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5726

The Rebbe acknowledges the pidyon nefesh and advises exploring modern treatments, noting expert doctors in Switzerland. He cautions against making conditions with Hashem, stressing instead active engagement in Torah, mitzvos, and tzedakah, while praying for blessings in children, health, and livelihood. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5725

The Rebbe urges N'shei uBnos Chabad to prepare a detailed program to utilize the special days of mercy and joy in Tishrei to their fullest. He stresses the great importance of planning ahead to ensure these days are used in the most fitting way, and concludes with blessings for success and good news. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5724

The Rebbe advises careful reconsideration before leaving his post, stressing the value of his unfinished influence on students. If change is necessary, he should seek roles where no one else can fulfill the task. He is urged to immerse fully in Chassidus with warmth, intellect, and enthusiasm, using his talents to impact youth, and to pursue shidduchim with proper effort. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5723

The Rebbe advises that while travel may help health, moving abroad is costly and uncertain. Relocating within Eretz Yisrael suffices to improve matters. He notes the importance of distancing from opposition to Chassidus, increasing in Torah and mitzvos, and says he will mention them at the Ohel for blessings in accordance with their needs. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5722

The Rebbe encourages an album of drawings of Kfar Chabad, past and present, showing its growth in spiritual and physical life. The images should be simple and true to reality, not stylized, and may be printed later as postcards or an album. Expenses will be covered, with blessings for success and Torah study. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5721

The Rebbe congratulates him on the forthcoming edition of Halachos Gedolos with comprehensive commentary, blessing him to expand Torah study, both great and small, Nigleh and Chassidus. He notes that granting haskamos is not the custom in Beis Harav, and shares remarks on early authorities printed in the work. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5720

The Rebbe stresses that living and working in Kfar Chabad benefits both the community and the individual, and difficulties or criticism should not lead to stopping the work. Instead, obstacles should be removed through peace and unity, for “love your fellow” is a vessel for great mitzvos. He blesses for harmony and a good, sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5719

The Rebbe suggests providing Chumash with Rashi and Tanya in Yiddish. Where not yet translated, at least explain the ideas, even if not understood fully, as Chassidus is linked to Torah Shebichtav. He promises mention at the Ohel and blessings for diligence, health, and success. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5718

The Rebbe notes pros and cons to changing the order of Chassidus study before “Kegavna.” Since newcomers may think davening begins there, follow the majority's custom. In any case, the focus should be on strengthening Torah study in both Nigleh and Chassidus. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5717

The Rebbe advises moving on Tuesday if possible, otherwise any day but Monday or Wednesday. First bring in holy books and put up mezuzahs without a blessing; after thirty days replace one with a better one and bless. Continue daily study of Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/013/5716

The Rebbe, after reading the pan at the Ohel, emphasizes that leadership is service, blesses success in fulfilling one's mission with peace and expansiveness, and urges that it be clear he is a disciple of the Frierdiker Rebbe by spreading the wellsprings outward. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1175

The Rebbe blesses him on reaching 81 years with long life, health, and continued strength in tzedakah, Torah study, Tehillim, and communal learning. He explains the deeper meaning of the “third day”—a harmony of body and soul in serving Hashem—encouraging him to live with this higher service, especially in later years, with joy and peace. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1174

The Rebbe questions the purpose of a hurtful letter, noting that even true words can be lashon hara if without benefit. He urges sharing news of Torah growth instead and stresses replacing baseless hatred with baseless love, citing Tanya and Kuntres Hechaltzu. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1173

Rebbe advises him to remain in his current role in Netiva, using his influence to strengthen Torah and mitzvos there. He stresses that setting times for Torah study is within his ability if he truly wills it, and that success depends on this connection. He blesses his wife for a healthy pregnancy and birth, and encloses a sicha to be shared locally. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1172

The Rebbe blesses for success in Antwerp, encourages continued farbrengens from Yud-Beis Tammuz through Chai Elul, and recommends beginning Chassidus study with Tanya, Derech Mitzvosecha, Kuntres U'Maayan, and the Frierdiker Rebbe's maamarim. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1171

The Rebbe emphasizes the importance of studying and spreading the laws of Shemittah throughout Eretz Yisrael, encourages efforts to inspire others to learn, and requests clarification regarding a report that his name was linked to an article about the heter for working the land during Shemittah. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1170

The Rebbe advises that the main factor in early childhood education is instilling fear of Heaven. Since the Yiddish-speaking kindergarten excels in this, it should be chosen despite other considerations. He concludes with blessings for suitable livelihood, both material and spiritual, and for true Chassidic nachas from the children. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1169

The Rebbe acknowledges receiving the pidyon nefesh and reading it at the Previous Rebbe's gravesite, praying for blessings. He notes that in Elul each person is like a pauper before Hashem, Who surely grants us “gifts to the needy.” He concludes with blessings for a good and sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1168

The Rebbe blesses the newborn to grow in Torah, marriage, and good deeds, and wishes good news always. He thanks for sending books, advising to include also Nigleh and to look into those printed in Djerba, and concludes with blessings for the child, the mother's recovery, and a good and sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1167

The Rebbe acknowledges receipt of the donation and stresses the importance of strengthening public study of Chassidus. He explains that even two or three participants already qualify as “many,” and with proper effort there will surely be more. He concludes with blessings for a good and sweet year and good health. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1166

The Rebbe notes that while some rabbis were stringent, the Tzemach Tzedek permitted the medical method in danger. He thanks the doctor for encouraging patients and stresses that Torah empowers physicians to heal, with trust that Hashem sends recovery through them. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1165

The Rebbe blesses the Bar Mitzvah boy to grow in Torah, marriage, and good deeds with peace of body and soul. He encourages teaching Chassidus even to youth, assuring that suitable maamarim and sichos exist for every level, and it is the teacher's role to select them. He encloses a sicha for sharing and a letter for the son. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1164

The Rebbe encourages daily Torah and Tehillim study, trust in the Previous Rebbe's blessings, and assures they bring only good, never punishment. He blesses them with a good and sweet year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1163

Since exile came from baseless hatred, the Rebbe says the remedy is baseless love — loving others sincerely even without finding merit — which brings the Redemption. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1162