By the Grace of G-d 12th of Nissan, 5734 Brooklyn, N.Y.
c/o Rabbi Cunin1
L.A. Cal.
Greeting and Blessing:
Following the pleasure of our meeting and conversation after the Farbrengen last night,2 I wish to add here in writing some thoughts which, for obvious reasons, I did not wish to express in the presence of others, namely, in regard to your son.
I am in agreement with the opinion of your brother-in-law mentioned in your letter, especially as he is a physician. I believe, that the best help that can be given your son, in general, is to get him to work.
I should only add, and I trust your brother-in-law would concur, that in view of the fact that this would entail a change in your son’s way of life for a period of time, it would be well if his job would, in the first stage at any rate, would meet two conditions: Firstly, that it would not impose on him too much responsibility, so that he would not be frightened or discouraged by it. On the other hand, it should have a more or less rigid timetable and schedule, so that he would get used to a routine and orderly life, which, in my opinion, is the overriding consideration. If it is the kind of work which he might consider beneath him, it might be explained to him that it is only a start, and temporary, and, indeed, the first step to advancement. It is well known that here in the USA that people at the top often take pride in the fact that they worked their way up from the bottom of the ladder.
After he adjusts himself to a part-time occupation of several hours a day, he could probably be induced to work half a day and in due course a full-time job.
Needless to say, the above is [in] addition to what we spoke about the importance of his feeling that his parents and friends have the fullest confidence in him.
With regard to the business proposition that would involve a loan of $2 million, I do not think it advisable in the present monetary and business situation, all the more so since you state in your letter that the asking price is an exaggerated one.
I reiterate my prayerful wishes to you and yours for a joyous Festival of Liberation, and may the Festival of Our Freedom bring you and yours true freedom, freedom from anxiety material and spiritual, from anything that might detract from serving G-d wholeheartedly and with joy.
And to carry over this freedom and joy into the whole year.
Wishing you and yours a Kosher and inspiring Pesach,
With blessing,
Notes and sources
1) This letter is addressed to one of the supporters of Chabad of California. A copy of this letter was sent to Rabbi Cunin (the head Shliach to the state).
2) In honor of the Rebbe’s 72nd birthday (on the 11th of Nissan, 5734), Rabbi Shlomo Cunuin traveled to the Rebbe together with a group of key supporters. After the Farbrengen held that night, the Rebbe conducted a semi-Yechidus with several Shluchim and their delegations. The recipient of this letter was among Rabbi Cunin’s supporters present.
Published: Letters From the Rebbe, Vol 5 (OSL, 2001), 148; Chabad.org.
Employment and Rigid Schedule
Booklet 3
Source & Link: אס"ל ח"ה, pg. 148: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c6HqBbbRsPVrlS31f3KKv8K8UlYjoA0z/view?usp=drivesdk Alternative Source: