Use Your Influence

In this famous letter to Israeli President Yitzchak Ben-Tzvi, the Rebbe explains that wealth and influence are divinely entrusted responsibilities, obligating one to actively strengthen Torah and Jewish identity. Beyond this, the letter offers a rare personal glimpse, as the Rebbe shares his lifelong vision of redemption and explains why he avoids the title “president,” reflecting his deep, authentic sensitivity to the pain of the Jewish people in exile. PDF Link: https://www.soulwords.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/30-letters-30-days-30.pdf

The signs of a kosher animal serve as spiritual benchmarks to ensure our physical involvements remain refined. The juxtaposition of the Mishkan’s inauguration with prohibitions against eating insects teaches that even the most spiritually exalted individual requires the discipline of divine decrees to remain grounded. King David’s "leaping and dancing" before the Ark in this week's Haftarah represents a state of joy that transcends intellect, serving as a model for our own connection to Hashem as we approach the era of Moshiach. This class, taught by Rabbi Shais Taub, is based on Parshas Shemini in Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1. 📄 PDF of Sicha: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/f100048... 📄 PDF of Sicha in English by SIE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KPAo... 📖 Buy Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1 at Kehot: https://store.kehotonline.com/mobile/...

The Rebbe acknowledges the writer’s improved health but challenges his confusion about priorities. Despite clear guidance, he is misreading his situation and considering reducing his involvement in Chabad. The Rebbe insists his true purpose is to focus on spiritual work in his current place, not pursue distracting alternatives for livelihood. Parnassah will follow with less struggle, while avoiding this path only adds unnecessary complications and concealment. PDF Link: https://www.soulwords.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/30-letters-30-days-29.pdf

In the first letter, the Rebbe responds to someone overwhelmed by a new position, claiming he has no time for learning, serving Hashem, or helping others. The Rebbe firmly rejects this, reminding him that a Jew’s purpose is to serve his Creator. In the second letter, the Rebbe discourages the letter writer's practice of fasting, explaining that Chassidus does not promote afflicting the body. True avodah is refining the animal soul—through restraint in behavior, speech, and interpersonal conduct—without harming one’s health, thereby preserving strength for Torah and mitzvos. PDF Link: https://www.soulwords.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/30-letters-30-days-27-28.pdf

Addressing the letter writer's concerns about balancing outreach with his own son’s education, the Rebbe emphasizes that fulfilling the mitzvah of influencing others will not harm his child’s chinuch—on the contrary, it will enhance it through the principle of mitzvah goreres mitzvah. PDF Link: https://www.soulwords.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/30-letters-30-days-26.pdf

Pesach is supposed to be a time of freedom—but for many parents raising sensitive or easily overwhelmed children, it can feel like anything but. In this webinar, Rabbi Shais Taub and Dr. Ilyssa Bass address the real challenges of preparing for Pesach with a “complex child”—kids who feel things more intensely, struggle with transitions, and can become overwhelmed by the demands of Yom Tov. No unrealistic expectations. No “perfect child” fantasy. Just practical clarity for a calmer, more manageable Pesach. Rabbi Shais Taub is the creator of Soul Parenting and has guided thousands of parents with a Torah-based approach to raising children. Dr. Ilyssa Bass is a psychologist and leading expert helping Jewish families parent children with complex needs. To register for our upcoming course: https://www.drilyssabass.com/joy

The Rebbe responds regarding a Chabad-affiliated agricultural school, emphasizing that its standards and spirit must fully align with Chabad values without compromise. The institution should not lower its standards for students who do not adhere to them. However, guidance should be given pleasantly—educating and inspiring rather than rejecting. The focus should be on promoting the positive through Chassidic farbrengens, stories, and niggunim, while maintaining appropriate safeguards. PDF Link: https://www.soulwords.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/30-letters-30-days-25.pdf

One must recognize that involvement in the Rebbe’s work is a personal merit, not a favor being done. As long as one feels otherwise, no persuasion will help. Honest reflection and humility will lead to clarity, cooperation, and a more peaceful, productive path. PDF Link: https://www.soulwords.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/30-letters-30-days-24.pdf

In response to a letter proposing that identifying certain nations as lost tribes could hasten Moshiach, the Rebbe emphasizes that our direction must come from Torah and its clear guidance. Rather than pursuing speculative approaches, our focus should be on what Chazal teach—that redemption depends on teshuvah and good deeds. PDF Link: https://www.soulwords.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/30-letters-30-days-23.pdf

Jewish security is not determined by political reality but by spiritual alignment. A Jew’s passion for Yiddishkeit must remain constant—both in inspiration and in struggle. Our finite effort awakens an infinite response from above that creates real success. Redemption follows a process: preparation and purification come before transformation.This class, taught by Rabbi Shais Taub, is based on Parshas Tzav in Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1. 📄 PDF of Sicha: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/2279492... 📄 PDF of Sicha in English by SIE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DyF9... 📖 Buy Likkutei Sichos Vol. 1 at Kehot: https://store.kehotonline.com/mobile/...