By the Grace of G-d 3rd of Kislev, 5733 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Sholom u’Brocho:

After a long interval I received your letter.

Needless to say, I was shocked at the mood in which the letter was written, which is not like you at all.

Granted that there are difficulties – but that in itself is proof of the powers which G-d has given you to overcome them. Even a banker, who is no more than human, would not give credit to anyone unless he was certain that it would be put to good use and would not fall under the burden. Surely, G-d knows your capacity. Hence the cheerless tone of you letter, not to mention any disheartedness, is completely out of place.

However, everything is by Hashgocho protis, including the timing of your letter, being written on Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev and arriving on Rosh Chodesh Kislev. This makes it certain that the above mood is a fleeting one, for there is no need for greater refutation that the month of Kislev and Chanukah in the light of which any and all anxiety must surely be dispelled at once. For us Chassidim there is also Yud Tes Kislev and before that, Yud Kislev, the history of which you surely know.

As you know it is not my custom to sermonize, so enough said. The point is that immediately upon receiving this letter, indeed even before, there should be a radical change from end to end. Remember also that this year began with Rosh Hashanah that occurred on Shabbos, a day of rest and pleasure and freedom from all mundane anxieties, and what the “head” (Rosh) is to the whole body so is the Rosh Hashanah to every day and all days of the year.

At the conclusion of your letter you asked me about my habits, etc. and as you write, not out of curiosity, but in order to learn something, which is as it should be among friends. So let me tell you at least one of my habits, namely, kvias ittim l'Torah, i.e. no matter how busy I may be (and I am usually) I have a regular period of Torah study every day, without fail. I trust it is the same with you. This also has a bearing on what has been said above, for of the Torah it is written that it “rejoices the heart.”¹ Thus such regular Torah study is bound to bring an increased measure of joy into the daily life, including at work, at home and also in Shul and “Simchah breaks through every boundary.”²

Wishing you and yours an inspiring

Yud and Yud-Tes Kislev and a bright Chanukah,

With blessing,

P.S. In view of the subject matter of this letter, it is being sent to you via Special Delivery, so that you could also quickly reply that you are in a state of simchah and in a growing measure, in the spirit of the Chanukah lights which are kindled in a growing number, adding more and more light from day to day.

Enclosed is a receipt of your tzedoko and may the zechus of the tzedoko stand you and each and all of you in good stead for the fulfillment of your heart’s desires for good.