Weekly Letter: Shlichus, Seeding and Planting

In the week of P’ Shlach, when Moshe sends out his shluchim to scout the land, we share the Rebbe’s encouraging words to a shlucha. In answer to her doubts about success in her efforts – the Rebbe explains that activities fall into two categories – seeding and planting – as classified by chassidus and points out the importance of having confidence in the wisdom of the one who has given the assignment. This letter is from volume 5 of The Letter and The Spirit.

This letter was addressed to Rebbetzen Bessie Garelik זאל זיין געזונט

By the Grace of G-d
18th of Adar 2, 5725
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mrs.
Milano, Italy

Blessing and Greeting:

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter, as also your previous correspondence.

May G-d grant that all the matters about which you write including your activities in progress, as well as those to be undertaken in the future, should all be crowned with hatzlocho, and in greater measure than expected or anticipated at first glance.

In the literature of Chasidus, such activities are classified and explained under two categories: “seeding” and “planting.” The difference is this: In the case of a seeding, as, for example, sowing wheat, the fruits take less time to appear than the case of planting a tree. The reason is that in the case of the former, the results, though many times the original effort, are considerably smaller than in the case of planting. Similarly in the efforts and activities of a human being, there are such that come under one category and/or the other. If, therefore, it sometimes takes longer for the effort to come to fruition, this is no reason for discouragement; on the contrary, the reason may well be that it is a case of “planting” where the ultimate results will be infinitely greater.

In the light of the above, and also in answer to your previous letter, it is surprising to me that you should have any doubt about your ability, or the success of your efforts, etc. It would appear as if you have any doubts as to whether the one who gave you the assignment had made a wise choice. Surely you do not entertain such a thought, though in any case I would not consider it in any personal way, as far as I am concerned. However, if you are certain that the one who gave you the assignment has not made a mistake, then you should continue your work with certainty and confidence, and with G-d’s help you will succeed.

I trust that you and all yours have observed Purim in its true and joyous spirit and may G-d grant that the spirit of Purim will be carried over in all your activities throughout the year.

With blessing,