By the Grace of G-d 16th of Kislev, 5720 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to receive your letter of the 14th of Kislev and the photo, in which you describe the Dinner of the Beth Rivkah. May G-d grant that you will always have good news to report about the growing expansion of the Beth Rivkah Schools, materially and spiritually, that is to say, of the growing devotion of the supporters of the Beth Rivkah in providing the financial means, and the growing devotion of the teachers and staff, as well as their inner gratification with their work to spread the light of the Torah and Mitzvoth in an increasing measure.

All the more so since this year is the 200th anniversary of the Histalkus of the Baal-Shem-Tov, and the network of the Beth Rivkah Schools represents the practical expression of the great teachings and way of life introduced by the Baal-Shem-Tov, as further expanded and systematized by Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the founder of Chabad, whose historic Liberation on the 19th of Kislev we are about to celebrate. Of course, the idea of these remembrances is to inspire every one of us to follow in the footsteps of these great luminaries who have irradiated Jewish life with a new light and vitality. May their merits stand you and every one of us in good stead to be blessed with the true good, materially and spiritually.

With blessing,

M. Schneerson

With regard to your reference to the co-existence of the Beth Rivkah and Outremon Hebrew School, it is my opinion, as I have conveyed to you through Rabbi Hodakov, that this co-existence is advantageous and beneficial for both Schools, and especially for the Beth Rivkah. Therefore, any difficulties involved should be overlooked, while, at the same time, every effort should, of course, be made to avoid friction and to overcome any difficulty. The way to do it is through a friendly and cooperative approach, as the wisest of all men, King Solomon, has stated, "As the water reflects the face, so does one heart respond to another."¹