Letter 53
27 Tishrey, Tav-Reish-Peh-Het, October 23, 1927
To my soul mate ... may his candle burn:
... Indeed, you have caused me much work concerning the separation and hatred that has been sown and grown among you to an extent that I did not foresee. Each of the students, may they live forever, is like an organ in my own body, and behold, there is no peace among my bones because of my sin. Therefore, I must begin to cleanse myself like a newborn baby until I merit making peace among the students, may they live forever.
In truth, prior to my departure from my home, I hoped that I would be rewarded with seeing all the kids [young goats] as grownup goats upon my return, for which I have taken upon myself these man’s jolts and huge troubles, which I had never experienced previously, nor even something near it. Because of it, I have truly been rewarded with great and wonderful salvation for all of you, and the gates of heaven have been opened for us.
Yet, the separation and hatred, whose only root is in the Klipot [shells/peels] and the yeast of the Klipot, have been against us, obstructing our ways because through there, the Klipot have found a way to sneak into the bodies and twist the holy channels.
I need not interpret for you the measure of longing and sorrow that you have caused me by this. I openly admit that until now I did not understand the ARI, who so regretted the dispute that occurred within his group until the manuscript came through. Now I see that there is none so wise as the experienced. Still, with the Creator’s help, I hope to mend everything upon my return home.
The prophet asks and answers, “What does the Lord require of you? Only to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” These words are very profound, and who will find them?
It is brought in The Zohar: “The Creator has three worlds, and this is the meaning of ‘Holy! Holy! Holy!’ concerning the above-mentioned three worlds. And in each one, the whole earth is full of His glory.” Interpretation: It is as it is written, “Justice and law are the foundation of Your throne.” It is also written, “Open for me the gates of justice,” and it is known that justice becomes Godliness to you, such as a word of Godliness, etc.
Yehuda Leib