By the grace of G-d22nd of Kislev, 5722Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

Thank you for the letter of the 13th of Kislev, and the previous one.

In connection with your birthday which is today, may G-d grant you a successful year in all your affairs, both personal and public, especially success with your students, and may you carry on your work in good health and a happy frame of mind. In anticipation of fixing a date for your wedding, I hope and pray that it will take place in a happy and auspicious hour.

I trust that you have duly observed the 19th of Kislev and that you will also take the fullest advantage of the forthcoming auspicious days of Chanukah.

Wishing you a Happy and inspiring Chanuka,

With Blessing,

By Nissan Mindel

Regarding your reaction to my observation on the subject of your intended trip to Eretz Yisroel, from which I dissuaded you,¹ I trust that now, at any rate, you are not accepting it as an unfortunate decree, whether it be an implicit decree of the Shulchan Aruch or another authority. I trust, on the contrary, that you realize that all matters of the Torah and Mitzvoth are for the benefit of the human being, not only spiritually in the Afterlife, but also materially and in this world, as I indicated in my previous letter. Knowing of your background, I am sure that no further elaboration is necessary.

I hope to receive good news from you and in growing measure, in accordance with the teaching of the Chanuka lights which we kindle in increasing numbers each night of Chanuka.

The mailing of this letter having been delayed, your letter arrived in the meantime in which you ask whether you should accept the invitation to visit with Zippel's sister in Zurich for a few days, inasmuch as it would not interfere with your work at Milan.

I see no reason why you should not accept the invitation, especially as in all affairs that present themselves to a Jew this opportunity can also surely be served in the interests of Yiddishkeit. Though Zurich is not off the beaten track as far as Yiddishkeit is concerned an opportunity can surely be found to make some contribution, and to do so with Chassidic enthusiasm. Indeed if you wish, you may regard this trip also in the nature of a shlichus.

It would be well to visit Rabbi Dr. Weiss and Rabbi Dr. Ehrmann when in Zurch and convey our regards to them. Through the latter you may also come in contact with the younger Agudist element in the community.

Rabbi Bejamin Zeev Weisz, Sandstrasse 7, Zurich.

Rabbi Shlomo Ehrmann, Lavatenstrasse 59, Zurich.