In the years following the Holocaust, a 19-year-old university student wrote to the Rebbe expressing deep disillusionment and suicidal despair. The Rebbe's response was not a single letter, but a sustained, multi-year correspondence that challenged the young man's perspective, gave him a historic sense of purpose, and ultimately saved his life.

Now, for Rosh Chodesh Adar — the month of increasing in joy — Sichos In English is releasing this entire 8-page exchange to the public for the first time as a free PDF download.

Featured in the newly expanded edition of Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit — Mental Health, the letters offer a direct and nuanced approach to mental and spiritual crises. Rather than simply offering comforting words, the Rebbe addressed the crisis head-on. He noted that the student's initial letter was "full of your own expectations and disappointments, as if everybody owes you everything, but no one has a claim on you."

A Firm Shift in Focus

To pull the student out of his paralysis, the Rebbe offered a firm redirection: "Stop being concerned with your own problems. The way to cope with such an emotionally charged situation is to stop trying to cope with it. You must get away from yourself, and begin to think of others... It is time to begin an active participation in the society; to give, and give generously."

This guidance was paired with a profound sense of mission. Speaking to the tragedy of the Holocaust, the Rebbe elevated the student's purpose: "...especially in this day and age, after one third of our people... have been annihilated. For, everyone who has been spared that fate must now contribute not only his normal share, but also make up the terrible gap that has been created in the life of our tortured people. One must now work for at least two..."

Candor and Compassion Together

Over the following years, the Rebbe continued to guide the student with practical advice. When the student wrote about his moods, the Rebbe reassured him: "there is nothing really wrong with you." Addressing the student's guilt, the Rebbe advised that "...brooding over past failures is bound to be depressing and discouraging... Therefore it is advisable to dismiss such thoughts for the time being."

Yet the Rebbe ensured the student felt completely comfortable reaching out: "I want to say that there is no need for you to be embarrassed in expressing your attitude towards me, whether you have any trust or lack of trust, etc. Such feelings are best to be expressed openly..."

These letters are an eye-opening display of how the Rebbe guided a soul from the brink of despair to a life of action — a must-read demonstrating the Rebbe's unique blend of compassion, candidness, and clarity.

These letters are just part of one chapter in the newly expanded Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit — Mental Health. For a meaningful Mishloach Manos, SIE is currently offering the full expanded book at up to 40% off.

-> Download the Free 8-Page "Life for Others" PDF
-> Buy the Full Book on Sale at SIE.org

Following the extraordinary reception of Volumes 1 and 2, Sichos In English is proud to announce that work on Volumes 3 and 4 of our complete Likkutei Sichos translation is now underway.

This project represents years of dedicated scholarship, with every sicha rendered into clear, natural English while maintaining full fidelity to the Rebbe's original intent and depth.

What Makes This Edition Different

Unlike previous partial translations, this edition follows the Sichos In English editorial standard: accessible to any English reader, yet precise enough for serious students. Footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory notes accompany each discourse.

We are deeply grateful to our supporters who have made this possible, and we invite you to partner with us in completing this historic work.

We are pleased to present the revised edition of Dawn of Chassidus, our popular introduction to the Baal Shem Tov and the birth of the Chassidic movement.

This edition features a fully updated English translation, expanded footnotes drawing on the latest scholarship, and a cleaner, more readable layout designed for both study and leisure reading.

What's New in This Edition

The revised edition includes three new chapters covering the spread of Chassidus from Mezhibuzh, new biographical sketches of the Baal Shem Tov's leading students, and a comprehensive index.

Available now through our website and selected Jewish bookstores.

We are delighted to announce that the latest volume of Life Stories of Chassidim is now in print and available for order.

This volume features thirty-two biographical accounts of remarkable Chassidim — men and women whose lives embodied the teachings of Chassidus in extraordinary ways.

Stories Across Generations

From the followers of the Alter Rebbe to Chassidim of recent times, each story has been researched, verified, and rendered in vivid, narrative English that brings these lives to light for a new generation of readers.

A wonderful gift for any occasion and a treasured addition to any Jewish library.

SIE Weekly is our free weekly email bringing a newly translated sicha of the Rebbe directly to you. Each week's translation is prepared with full scholarly notes and an accessible English rendering.

Since launching, SIE Weekly has grown to thousands of subscribers across dozens of countries. The response has been humbling and deeply encouraging.

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Visit sieweekly.com to subscribe and access the full archive of past sichos. All translations are available free of charge.

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