It is my obligation (and my privilege) to make you aware of the great necessity of studying the inner dimensions of the Torah, which in these latter generations have been revealed within the teachings of Chassidus. And if this study is a necessity for every Jew, how much more is this true of a person who is in a position to influence others, and who is thus (in the words of the Mishnah) "himself meritorious and causes many others to attain merit." Moreover, from this affirmative statement one can infer [that the reverse is true when one does not take steps to be meritorious].

Especially in this period of the approaching footsteps of Mashiach, when "behold, he is standing behind our wall" and everyone should be prepared every day for his coming, every single individual must do his duty. For, as the King Mashiach himself stated, he will come "when the wellsprings of [the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings] will be widespread." Heaven forefend that the exile be prolonged, even for the shortest time, by reason of any inactivity in this task of dissemination, or even by incomplete activity. For this is an exile both of the Holy One, blessed be He, and of the House of Israel, since "when they were exiled to Edom the Divine Presence accompanied them."


Igros Kodesh (Letters) of the Rebbe Shlita, Vol. XIX, p. 422