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The Rebbe Maharash’s motto of “L’chatchila Ariber” was made by the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach into a central theme in both personal and public Avodas Hashem. In this unique sicha, from 13 Nissan 5743 (1983), the Rebbe gives crucial guidance on using this powerful tool correctly:

L’chatchila ariber is certainly a vital lesson for our generation, which must spread Torah Judaism beyond any limitations. On the other hand, some explanation is necessary to prevent this concept from being misinterpreted.

Chassidus explains the difference between the higher world of Tohu, which shattered as a result of the intense G‑dly revelation, and that of Tikkun, where G‑dliness dwells in a constant, settled manner. Sometimes people exhibit a tendency of Tohu, such as Nadav and Avihu, whose uncontrolled closeness and love for Hashem led to their demise.

Although their service of Hashem was certainly very lofty, nevertheless, in this world, our behavior (even that of l’chatchila ariber) must conform to the realm of Tikkun. Some people, however, have taken l’chatchila ariber to mean that they should behave in a manner befitting the world of Tohu! For example, they borrow such huge sums of money (for holy purposes) that, even with miracles, they will never be able to pay them back.

Others go to the other extreme and confine themselves to their own personal affairs; eating, sleeping, doing business, etc. Should they find a tiny stretch of time to spend on Torah and mitzvos, they will then fulfill the idea of l’chatchila ariber!

This is certainly improper. On the other hand, however, l’chatchila ariber must still be “over,” i.e. have some connection to, the world of Tikkun. The G‑dly revelation of Pesach, for example, is compared to “leaping over mountains.” One must leap over in a way of l’chatchila ariber, not creep along like an old man. However, one must still be “over,” i.e. have some connection to, the mountain; otherwise, after leaping, who knows if he will ever land? Perhaps he will remain suspended in the heavens!

So too, a person involved in communal work must do so l’chatchila ariber. He should not be afraid to borrow money in order to spread Torah and mitzvos. Any claim that for his spiritual and physical well-being, he can never go into debt, is false. True peace, of mind and of body, comes only when one completely fulfills his mission in spreading Torah and mitzvos in accordance with the instructions of the Previous Rebbe.

As we saw, the Previous Rebbe did not limit himself to working only within his budget — he was always in debt. As soon as he paid off his loans, he immediately took out new ones in order to broaden his holy efforts.

On the other hand, one must remain within the confines of the world and not “jump off the mountain” altogether. This is not what the Rebbe Maharash meant, and is not the Torah’s way of serving Hashem.

The one who already put himself in this position — since his intentions were pure — will certainly receive Heavenly assistance enabling him to repay his loans, and with money left over. moreover, tavo alav bracha, since as a result of this behavior a large amount of money was spent on holy causes.

That, however, is as far as the past is concerned. From now on, his l’chatchila ariber should still be connected to the world; “over,” but still connected to the “mountains.”

(Sicha of 13 Nissan 5743)

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Bittul is How to Adopt a Stance of L’chatchila Ariber

This letter was sent to R. Shlomo Zalman Hecht, the Rabbi of the Lubavitch community in Chicago on 26 Tammuz, 5711:

It is self-understood that regarding emerging from the straits in which you are presently found to one of prosperity, your intent is desirable. May it be G‑d’s will that speedily, in the near future, G‑d will take you out from the straits to prosperity, from material boundaries and limitations to a state of material prosperity in the most literal sense.

From your side, you should do what is dependent on you to take yourself out of your spiritual straits to a state of spiritual prosperity. You have certainly heard the adage of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, in the name of his grandfather, the Rebbe Maharash: “When confronted by an obstacle, the ordinary approach is to try to crawl under it, and if you can’t crawl under it, you try to climb over it. But I say, l’chatchila ariber: one’s initial response should be to climb over!”

The matter is dependent solely on one’s individual strength. As explained in the farbrengen of the Festival of Redemption, a person’s individual strength and bittul are the mediums with which to overcome all the concealments, hindrances, and veilings. Then it will be seen that all this was no more than a challenge. It is self-understood that the awareness of this contributes zest to one’s Divine service.

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