Group None

My honored companions and friends, may your light increase! May each be praised by what makes him worthy of praise,1Proverbs 27:21. and may they receive their blessing from God, blessed be His name, for good, as they desire!

Since “open reproof that comes from hidden love is good,”2Proverbs 27:5. I have come to reprove you and to urge on your high excellencies. See to it to make an all-out effort, each according to his intellect and situation, to strengthen Mussar study with all your might and courage. The main thing is to turn the hearts of the greatest of our people, to whom the people of Israel look to and submit, that they should make efforts in this area to the extent they can. It is easily accomplished if you put your mind to it – just go about it intelligently for the sake of the truth and obtain appropriate and proper letters [of support] from them.

Do not underestimate the significance of purifying3Or “conferring benefit on.” the masses, of awakening them to the fierce battle, the battle with the [evil] urge, which cannot be waged or be won without proper Mussar study. Without reverence, all Torah and service is only “commandment of men learned by rote,”4Isaiah 29:13. which therefore can be blown over5This was one of R. Salanter’s deepest criticisms of the Orthodox community of his time, the driver of his push for everyone to study and practice Mussar. The present way of life appeared to be dominant, but it was built on external observance and conformity. He saw that although he and the religious leaders opposed its rising influence, modernity was coming. He warned that unless religion was deepened and internalized, the winds of modernity would blow down this house of straw. by a slight wind. As our Sages, of blessed memory, said: “If his fear of sin [precedes his wisdom,] his wisdom will endure.”6Avot 3:9.

Accordingly, who cannot grasp the great need to study Mussar in these, our times, when livelihood is difficult and service [of God] is diminishing?7R. Salanter seems to be referring to the increasing penetration of the modern economy into the Jewish community. This unsettled some traditional livelihoods and generated economic pressures within the community, which lessened study of Torah and/or lessened observance. Who will uphold [service of God’s] future? Who will repair its breaches – if not Mussar study, which cures all sicknesses of the soul for those who delve into it properly!

So you are fortunate! This great mitzva has come into your hands. It is a great gift to you from God, blessed be His name. Accept it with love and do it willingly, with all strength and might. Then you will receive the reward of all [of them]8This is in accordance with R. Salanter’s teaching that one who turns another person to good deeds and commandments is rewarded by God for those good deeds and commandments as well. in this world and the next – as you desire, and as your friend, who seeks your welfare, desires for you –Israel