By the Grace of G‑d 23rd of Sivan, 5714 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Sholom uBrocho:

I was surprised to learn from your mother’s letter that you interpreted my recent letter to you¹ to mean that when one has trouble one must have deserved it and you wonder how Teshuvah helps.

I am surprised that you should have overlooked what I have written to you more than once,² namely, that עבדו את ה׳ בשמחה (Serve G‑d with joy)³ is the basis of Jewish life, both in regard to the fulfillment of the Torah and Mitzvoth, as well as in everyday life. 

I have also written to you that since G‑d is the essence of goodness, He does everything good, and even if it appears to one that he has not merited it, there is also the merit of our ancestors to justify G‑d’s blessings.

I therefore am writing to you again to underline the importance of Simchah always and in all circumstances, especially as every Jew has a good reason to be happy, and particularly as it is further explained in Chassidus.

I trust you will encourage that inner joy to find expression and will send me good and happy tidings always.

With blessing,

M. Schneerson