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Blessing and Greeting:

I am in receipt of your letter.

You surely know how great is the importance of peace and harmony among Jews, as is so often emphasized in our Torah.

The Torah is even more emphatic about shalom bayit, peace and harmony in the relationship between husband and wife. So much so that, despite the sanctity of every word in the Torah, especially the sanctity of G-d’s name inscribed in the Torah, there is one occasion when G-d Himself orders His written name to be effaced by water, and that is... in order to preserve the peaceful relationship between husband and wife.¹

In light of the above you will find my answer to your question, which is that you ought to try your utmost not only to preserve a peaceful and harmonious relationship with your husband, but even to strengthen it and, as in every area of the desirable and good, to the point where it will serve as an inspiring example to all those around you.

Needless to say, I am not attempting to make a judgment as to who is right and who is wrong, who is at fault, and to what extent, etc., etc. But even assuming, for the sake of argument, that one of you is entirely in the right, it is still very worthwhile to do everything possible, for the sake of preserving shalom bayit. Moreover, as the wisest of all men said, “As water reflects the face, so does one heart reflect another.’’² It is certain that a consistently friendly and conciliatory attitude on your part is bound to evoke reciprocal feelings on the part of your husband.

As requested, I will remember you and the others mentioned in your letter in prayer, and may G-d grant that you will have good news to report.

With blessing,

P.S. In accordance with your request, this letter is sent to you on a priority basis, Special Delivery.