Rebbe Letters

Bitterness or Depression

The Rebbe responds to a report of someone feeling spiritually discouraged. He explains that a feeling of brokenness can sometimes be constructive—like a seed that must first decay in the ground before it can grow—but only if it leads to renewed effort and increased action in Yiddishkeit. If, however, it weakens a person’s resolve and diminishes their activity, it is not healthy bitterness but harmful sadness.