By the Grace of G-d4th of Teveth, 5722 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of December 4th, in which you write, all too skimpily, about the Yud Tes Kislev Farbreng. I was glad to receive indirect reports, however, that it was a considerable success, and that it was largely due to your efforts, not only in the preparation for it, but also as the Chairman of the affair.

Inasmuch as you wrote your letter during Chanukah, when the lights of Chanukah are kindled in increasing numbers, thus illuminating the home as well as the "outside," in a growing measure, may this be so also in your case. Our Sages say that G-d does not deal despotically with His creatures,¹ and He wants to send His blessings in a growing measure, but at the same time He expects the Jew to provide the channels and vessels to receive His blessings, namely, all matters of Torah and Mitzvoth, which He also expects in a growing measure.

I am certain that the last observation is superfluous in your case, since you are aware of it, but I made it as an extra point of encouragement, since there may be some people who like to tease and minimize the importance of the Torah and Mitzvoth and the activities in behalf of this cause. That is why the Shulchan Aruch begins² with the admonition not to be discouraged by the scoffers, who may be particularly stung by the vitality and enthusiasm with which a Jew dedicates himself to the Torah and Mitzvoth.

May G-d grant that you will have good news to report both in regard to your communal activities as well as your personal affairs, and that you will do so with true joy, and in a growing measure.

With blessing,

M. Schneerson

Just received the cable with the Pidyon, which will be read at the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory.