By the Grace of G-d13th of Shevat, 5722Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your three letters. It was gratifying to read about the impressions of Mr. Engelson's visit in your community, about the closer cooperation with Mr. Fisher, and, above all, about the accomplishments in the cause of Yiddishkeit and Chasidus.

I trust that this letter will find you in a much happier frame of mind, and that you will continue your good efforts with confidence and with gladness of heart.

Having just observed the 10th of Shevat, the Yahrzeit-Hilulo of my father-in-law of saintly memory, we are vividly reminded of the overwhelming odds which he and his followers faced in the struggle to keep up and spread the light of the Torah and Mitzvoth. There seemed no chance, in the natural order of things, to hold ground, let alone to gain a victory, against the mighty power of a dictatorship ruthlessly bent upon the eradication of every vestige of religious belief and practice. Yet he came out victorious, because he never faltered in his absolute faith in G-d; and G-d was with him. How much easier it is to follow in his footsteps under circumstances which are favorable, and which certainly do not entail threats and perils, etc.

I trust you associated yourself with all of us in observing this day, and that the inspiration of it will be with you throughout the year.

Hoping to hear good news from you,

With blessing,

By Nissan Mindel

Recently we have had difficulty regarding the translation of your letters from Dutch, in which I am not fluent. This is also the reason for the delay in replying to you. I see, however, that you are quite at home in English, and so am I, and it would be more convenient if you would continue your correspondence in this language.