By the Grace of G-d 3rd of Nissan, 5727 Brooklyn, N. Y.
1476 Independence So.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Greeting and Blessing:
I just received the telephone message about your condition, and am awaiting good news about your treatment and relief. May G-d grant that you should have a speedy and complete Refuo, and that everything turn out to be for the good, the visible and obvious good.
Having entered the auspicious month of Nissan, the present time is particularly propitious for good tidings for all Jews, both materially and spiritually. Moreover, if at all times throughout the year a Jew is to serve G-d in good health and with joy and gladness of heart, this is particularly true for the month of Nissan, a time of considerable preparation for the forthcoming Festival of Liberation, especially the removal of Chometz and the bringing in of Matzoh, with all that this signifies, including a thorough spiritual “spring cleaning”. There is no need to elaborate on this to you.
I had intended to write to you these days in any case, but will now take advantage of this opportunity to express my gratification at the enthusiasm which your speech evoked at the gathering in the home of Mr. and Mrs Shainbaum, organized at the initiative of Prof. and Mrs. Rosenbloom. I am also informed that it left a considerable impact on the audience.
Similarly I have been informed by the Tzeirei Agudas Chabad about the success and lasting impressions of your other appearances.
There is a connection in this continuity of the above, since the inference is how much you can achieve in good health, both in your immediate and distant environment. Hence, it will surely stand you in good stead.
Hoping to hear good news from you in all the above, and wishing you and yours a Kosher and inspiring Pesach.
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
Notes and sources
Dr. Velvel Greene (1928-2011) was a scientist and academic specializing in public health and bacteriology. He served as a professor at the University of Minnesota and later at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Additionally, he worked for NASA on an exobiology program aimed at determining the presence of microbes in outer space. Coming from a secular background, Greene became a baal teshuva and a Lubavitcher chassid in the 1960s. For further information and additional letters addressed to Dr. Greene, see letter dated 16 Shevat, 5724, and as referenced there.
Source: Photocopy of Original.
Published: Sholom u'Brocho-Prof. Greene; 73.
Spiritual "Spring Cleaning"
Source & Link: אס"ל ח"ה, pg. 84: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sdsg5D6ACZEnKI4YwCCxnEKRF6od-2vG/view?usp=drivesdk Alternative Source: