By the Grace of G-d26th of Shevat, 5720Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of the 20th of Shevat, and also the Jewish Post, in which there is a reference to my message concerning the 200th anniversary of the Baal Shem Tov. Since, as Editor of the Jewish Post, you not only edit it but carefully read the material published in it, I trust that the fact that you published part of my said message indicates that you will continue to use your good influence in general, and this medium in particular, to disseminate the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, particularly in this auspicious year. There is a well-known saying of the Old Rebbe, of which my father-in-law of saintly memory often reminded us, to the effect that although the Chasidic movement started in limited circles at first, it is the heritage of all Jews, and every Jew has a share in it, and is bound by his love for fellow-Jews to bestow it also on others who come within his sphere of influence.¹

In this connection you will be interested to know that I have also written to the Agudah and Poale Agudah in the Holy Land, urging them to do their share in the dissemination of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov to the fullest extent of their influence, especially through the “Hamodia” and “Sheorim”² and other media.

I take this opportunity to thank you again for your cooperation in regard to the Claims Conference in Amsterdam,³ and though “The reward of a mitzvah is the mitzvah itself,”⁴ I want you to know that your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

With all good wishes, and

With blessing,

M. Schneerson