To my soul mate ... may his candle burn:
I received your letter from the fourteenth of Tishrey [first Hebrew month] and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I commend you on your efforts in adhesion of friends, may the Creator also give you the complete intention.
Please, my friend, do strengthen in the study of Torah, both revealed and concealed, for all you lack is strengthening in the burden of Torah, for theevil inclination resides only in a heart vacant from wisdom.
Also, be very careful of idleness because “through indolence the rafters sag,” and it is the hardest Klipa [shell/peel] in the world. It is all according to the proliferation of actions: the sign of the idle is sadness, and the sign of the nimble is joy.
If it is not too difficult, I would suggest that you study to become a teacher, as it is good for the soul. But most importantly, pray and trust the Creator with everything you want to do, and it will help you accomplish successfully.
You already know that prayer and confidence go hand in hand. We must believe in complete faith that the Creator hears the prayer of every mouth, especially concerning the holy Divinity. With this faith we acquire confidence, and then the prayer is complete, with confidence that we will be saved, and he is rewarded with confidence and joy all day, as though he has already been saved.
Remember what I told you—during the first hour after rising break your heart and engage in “midnight Tikkun [correction]” by thought. Afflict yourself in the affliction of Divinity, who is suffering because of your actions. However, do not prolong for more than one hour. Afterward, elevate your heart in the ways of the Creator, with faith and confidence in wholeness, and engage in Torah and work in gladness all day long. If you wish, you may engage in breaking the heart for half an hour before going to sleep, as well.
However, beware the tricks of the inclination, which wants specifically to sadden us while we engage in the work of the Creator. At such a time you tell the evil inclination, “Although you are right, wait, for I have a set time for it. I will think about it then, and not while standing before the King.” This is why the priest had special garments for fertilizing the altar, and special garments for doing the work.
If you are mindful of these words of mine, you’ll be rewarded with bringing yourself close to Dvekut [adhesion] with Him, and you will succeed in doing the Creator’s will.
Yehuda Leib, son of my teacher and Rabbi, Simcha Ashlag