R. Yohanan of Rakhmistrivka inquired of R. Mordekhai from Tzalatopel regarding the significance of a kvitel (petitionary note).
Jews hold a belief in a rebbe and think that we pray, study the Torah, and perform good deeds. But when they realize we are not fulfilling these practices, they should really be chiding us. However, they are ashamed, for they are baishanim (bashful). As a result, they write kvitels as a reminder—they are indirectly referring to the fact that we must perform our duties: to pray, study, and engage in good deeds.
Y.F.
Pinchas Landau
