By the Grace of G-d 2nd of Marcheshvan, 5725, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Prof. ...
Greeting and Blessing:
Thank you for your letter.
I have instructed the office to put you on the mailing list, in accordance with your request.
I would also welcome an opportunity to meet with you when you are in New York, as I feel we would have some topics of mutual interest to discuss, especially in view of the fact that your field is that of psychology. For, as you may be aware, there is a close affinity between the teachings of Chassidus and the study of the psyche, more specifically the study of the soul. As a matter of fact, one of the basic doctrines of Chabad Chassidus is derived from the concept that the understanding of G-d as revealed in nature and even beyond, can best be attained by the study of the essence and functions of the human soul. This is based on the Biblical verse, "From my flesh I see G-d” (Job 19:26). And while our mind is limited, and no created being could possibly understand the Creator, it is by means of our soul, which is “truly as part of G-dliness Above”1 that we can grasp those relatively infinitesimal aspects of G-dliness which comes within our limitations.
I have requested the office to send you a copy of the Tanya translated into English by our Dr. Nissan Mindel, which I trust you will find of interest.2
Hoping to hear good news from you,
With blessing,
Notes and sources
1) See Tanya, Likkutei Amarim, ch. 2 (6b).
2) Can be accessed here.
Published: The Letter and the Spirit, Vol 2 (Nissan Mindel Publications, 2013), 251.
Note: Letters printed in "The Letters and The Spirit" are from the Archives of Rabbi Nissan Mindel A"H, the Rebbe's personal secretary entrusted with writing up the Rebbe's orally dictated responses. The “Nissan Mindel Archives” are comprised of secretarial copies, including first drafts, and may have subsequently been published with editorial changes. Therefore the letters as they appear in the book may not be the final signed version.