Here’s a letter I wrote to some friends who usually come to Uman for Rosh HaShanah, but can’t make it this year. Please apply whatever may work for you.

I know that you are upset/disappointed/etc. that you can’t be in Uman for this Rosh HaShanah. May I humbly suggest the following.

[1] BE HAPPY! This is not just the usual “b’simchah tamid,” (always be happy), but the simchah of the beginning  of the Seven Beggars story, when the King tells the prince to be b’simchah even when he descends the throne. That whole part of the story (the transfer of the kingdom from Father [God] to son [humankind]) is about the creation of Adam HaRishon, the first human being.

[2] Reb Yitzchok Breiter zl (of blessed memory) writes that a person who was once at the Rebbe’s tziyon (gravesite) can draw the kedushah (holiness) of the tziyon to where he is! This takes a little work.  So …

On erev Rosh HsShanah, BEFORE you come home from shul, go somewhere quiet (or just stay in shul later), close your eyes for a minute or two and picture yourself at the tziyon. Take that where you want—say Tikun Haklali and/or hisbodedus (private, personal prayer) and/or speak to the Rebbe zl. (You’re making a “long distance call,” as it were. This I confirmed with a leading Breslover whose name I will not share by email or on the web.)

If anyone asks why you came home late, say it was a long davening.

[3] On Rosh HaShanah keep your favorite sefer (work) of Rabbeinu zal at your place. You’re probably doing this anyway, but just in case.

Feel free to share with others who are staying home this year.

We will have you in mind.

kesivah v’chasimah tovah; may you and yours be written in the Book of Life, bsifran shel tzaddikim amitiyim. Amen.

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