By the Grace of G-d 13th of Kislev, 5725 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Your letter reached me with considerable delay. In it you write about a number of "problems," though, in reality, they come under the category of questions on point of information.

Needless to say, a letter is not the proper medium to deal with questions that require lengthy explanations; explanations, moreover, that must be couched in terms fitting to the knowledge and background of the inquirer. In any case, there is no need to depend on correspondence, inasmuch as you undoubtedly have personal access to Rabbonim in your proximity; who could explain to you orally these questions, and, if you wish to pursue these matters further, they could also indicate to you the proper sources.

Perhaps you use the term "problem" because you are perplexed as to "how to go on?" as you put it. In that case, there is one general answer which applies to all, similar situations: "The end of the matter... fear G-d, and observe His commandments, for this is the whole of man" (Kohelet 12:13). There is one way for a Jew to go on: To live his daily life in full accord with the Torah and mitzvot, as formulated in detail in the Shulchon Oruch, with a wholehearted and perfect faith in the One G-d, the Creator and Master of the world. In this way, everyone can attain his soul's fulfillment.

The above is also the answer to your question, What is it all about? In the abovementioned verse, the Wisest of All Men has answered it: Our Sages of blessed memory have elaborated on it, and in the Mishnah they expressed it simply, “I was created for the sole purpose of serving my Maker."¹ In another place they declared, "G-d desired to have an abode among the nether creatures"² i.e. in this material world rather than in Heaven. This is fulfilled through our study of the Torah and the fulfillment of the mitzvot. This is how we serve our Maker and fulfill our purpose in life.

In light of the above, you will also find an answer to your questions as to how to control thought, and what thoughts to admit. The guidelines are provided by the Shulchon Aruch, which also teaches how to control thoughts. All thoughts that are in harmony with the above-mentioned purpose, encouraging and stimulating towards the attainment of that purpose, are welcome. All others should be regarded as a test of one's love and devotion to G-d; they are inspired by the yetzer hara, whose purpose is to tempt and distract from the true purpose, but it is up to the individual and within his power to oppose and overcome the yetzer hara.

I trust you observe the three daily shiurim (Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya), and may G-d grant that you should have good news to report.

With blessing,