B.H. 4th of Adar, 5723 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Sholom uBrocho:

I am in receipt of your letter, in which you write about your forthcoming birthday on the 7th of Adar, for long and happy life.

Since you have reached the age of “good counsel”, as the Mishnah says (אבות פ"ה) בן חמשים לעצה, may it usher in a new period of successful leadership in both your private, as well as public, affairs, and may G‑d grant that together with your wife you should enjoy good health and affluence and true Yiddish-Chassidish Nachas from children and offspring.

Enclosed is a copy of a letter connected with the 7th of Adar, the birthday of Moshe Rabbenu, which should be of especial interest to Mrs. Jaffe and Miss Jaffe, and thank you for con­veying it to them.¹

Again, may your birthday inaugurate an auspicious year, followed by many, many more happy years, materially and spiritually,

With blessing,

M. Schneerson

Regarding your writing about the plans for the new Shul and the property acquired for that purpose, and plans for disposing of the old Shul, I am sure that with regard to letting or selling the old Shul you will consult a Rov and act accordingly, since there are specific Dinim in such a case. As for the new Shul, I do not see what doubts there may be, and may you proceed and materialize it successfully, especially, as mentioned above, that you have reached the age of “good counsel.” You will also recall that we have mentioned in our conversation that the time is ripe for spreading out synagogues and institutions al-taharas-hakodesh. You are indeed privileged to head such an important undertaking in your community.