By the Grace of G-d 12th of Iyar, 5729 Brooklyn N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I duly received your letter in connection with the ”Evening with Chasidism" which was arranged by the Friends of Merkos in the Twin Cities.

Although the letter reached me with some delay, after I had already received reports on the success of the affair and the warm response that it had evoked, I was very pleased to receive your letter and to note your personal interest and leading participation in the activities of the Friends of Merkos. However, this acknowledgment is intended to be more than a matter of protocol, for the important thing is that the affair should have continuity, since the response was primarily in the form of aroused interest and by way of introduction to practical things to follow. And although you and your friends are surely doing everything possible in this direction, I trust that these lines will add some stimulation, in accordance with the saying of our Sages, "Encourage the energetic.” An important outcome of this and similar affairs is the raising of funds for physical facilities to carry on important youth activities and functions. All the more so that soon vacation time will be with us, and it will be necessary to intensify these activities, for which suitable premises are, of course, a first prerequisite.

I am confident that your personal efforts, as well as the concerted efforts of all the Friends of Merkos in the Twin Cities, will meet with the deserved success, especially as we have the promise, "He who is determined to purify himself - and others (according to the emphasis of the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad) - receives help from On High." Considering the vital cause, the help from On High should be very considerable.

I take this opportunity to express my gratification also at your reporting on Rabbi Feller’s inspiring leadership, and of the growing number of fellow Jews who take advantage of the educational activities of Lubavitch. No doubt your good self and other faculty members set a fine example to others.

May you all go from strength to strength in this direction.

With blessing,

M.Schneerson