But the main way to merit Olam Haba is by guarding one’s tongue. That is worth more than all the Torah and good deeds. This is the meaning of (Isaiah 32:9) “tranquil women” (Berachos 17a), because the mouth is the holiest of the holy. Among my books is a copy of Mishlei with Yiddish translation. For the sake of Hashem, have them read it daily. It is better than any Mussar book. They should also read Koheles a lot, because it points out the vanity of this world, and other books as well. But G-d forbid that reading should be the objective! Reading Mussar alone does not necessarily move one to act differently. Going out into the world without a good understanding of it defeats the whole purpose. It is like one sows without having plowed; the wind and birds will carry the seeds away, because they aren’t closed off and protected. So is he who merely reads Mussar like him who plants without a fence; pigs will eat and trample on everything. Some plant on stone. This is comparable to a heart of stone which cannot be penetrated unless it is struck until it breaks open. That’s why I wrote you to hit our children if they don’t obey you. “Train a lad in the way he ought to go” (Mishlei 22:6). This is an important principle of education.
I also wish to appeal to my son-in-law to adhere to all the above. Read to the children as I have stated and learn for the sake of Heaven. Become well-versed in it for Hashem’s sake. Don’t pay attention to those who say that it is unnecessary for the child, G-d forbid. To the contrary, “Train a lad, etc.” It is easier to remove the skin of a nut before it hardens into a shell.
Most importantly, it is through such study that one merits everything, as our Sages stated (Avos 6:1): “Rabbi Meir said, ‘Whoever studies Torah for its own sake merits many things; furthermore, the whole world is worthwhile for his sake alone.’” You should study Tractate Avos, especially Avos D’Rabbi Noson, and Tractate Derech Eretz, since Derech Eretz (good manners) are more important than Torah study. Honor both your mother-in-law and your children’s great grandmother. Also always treat everyone with politeness and respect.
My Dear Mother, I know that you don’t need my advice, because you are very modest. Nevertheless, I wish someone would read this letter to you, for it consists of words of the Living G-d. I beg of you not to grieve over me, as you promised me, and G-d willing, if I merit to arrive at the gate of heaven in the holy city of Jerusalem, I will pray for you as I promised. And if we deserve it, we shall all be reunited, please G-d. I also ask my wife to honor my mother, as the Torah dictates, especially since she is a widow to whom it is a grave sin to cause even the slightest pain. I also ask you, Mother, to please cause peace to reign between you, and that you should strive to bring happiness one to the other. This is a great mitzvah incumbent upon everyone, as we find (Reishis Chochmah): “When man is judged, he will be asked,”Did you make your fellow a king over you?” We see that one must gladly enhance his friend’s honor. In fact, the main goal of the Torah is to bring joy to man. Even if one of you should happen to act improperly, excuse each other and live in peace for Hashem’s name. I also ask of you, Mother, to supervise and guide my children with gentle words, so that they will accept them. I instruct my sons and daughters to honor her, and not to fight among themselves at all, but to settle everything peacefully. May the Master of Peace grant you, my sons, daughters, sons-in-law, brother and all Israel life and peace.
Your loving Eliyahu the son of R. Shlomo Zalman ztz”l
The Gaon was the leading opponent of Chassidus, a movement founded by Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov in the 1730s . The Chassidim instituted a number of changes in standard Jewish practice and many great leaders viewed them as a breakaway sect from true Judaism in the manner of similar movements in the past. The emphasis of Chassidus on mysticism was particularly worrisome in this regard. Chassidus also placed a very strong emphasis on fervent worship. While this is well within the boundaries of traditional Judaism, many of the opponents of Chassidus, called ‘Misnagdim’, misunderstood this emphasis as detracting from the importance of Torah study. The reasons behind this great controversy are complex. The controversy ended in the early 1800s with the introduction of the anti-religious Haskalah movement which created a need for all religious Jews to form a common front.
Despite the Gaon’s opposition to Chassidus he was widely recognized by all groups as the leading torah authority of his time. After the Gaon passed away certain individual Chassidim expressed happiness at the news of his death, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, one of the most prominent leaders of Chassidus at that time, issued a public letter forbidding such statements and requiring his followers to speak of the greatness of the Gaon.
The Gaon passed away in 1797 leaving behind a tremendous legacy, both from his vast and varied writings on all Torah subjects and from his outstanding students who went on to spread Torah throughout the people of Israel. One of the most famous of the Gaon’s students was Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, founder of the Volozhiner Yeshiva. This yeshiva followed the Gaon’s approach to learning. It was the premier center of Torah study for about 100 years and is the ancestor of most of the yeshivas that exist today.