By the Grace of G-d 11th of Elul, 5735 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

This is to confirm receipt of your letter with the enclosed clipping.

Noting your interest in Jewish affairs, I trust you will accept the following observations in the proper spirit.

It is clear that the subject matter of the clipping has to do with a small group who are not very likely to be influenced by anybody, including some such persons as you mention in your letter. But there is something that each and every one of us can do for the benefit of our fellow Jews everywhere. This is based on the clear and unequivocal text of the Torah: “If you walk in My statutes...” with all the blessings that are assured thereby, including the blessing of “I will give peace in the land,” etc. But the Torah also continues at some length about the consequences of not walking in the way of G-d, G-d forbid. It follows immediately that every Jew who conducts his daily life in accordance with the Torah and mitzvos contributes to the security and well-being of our whole people, since every Jew is part of it. Similarly, every effort to encourage Jews to observe the Torah and mitzvos in the daily life is a sure way to helping our Jewish people everywhere and eliminate undesired phenomena, including that which you condemn in your letter.

Considering how much can be accomplished through such effort, it should not be difficult to carry them out in the face of all possible difficulties, for what are such difficulties by comparison with the goal. One must not be discouraged by scoffers who are ready to pour cold water on such efforts by saying, “When we have global problems, what has the Torah and mitzvos to do with them?” Nor should one allow oneself to be handicapped by becoming accustomed to a situation and become apathetic to it, especially a situation that concerns the well-being of the many.

Although I do not know you personally and I do not know how much you can accomplish - but as mentioned above, this is an area where everyone can accomplish something and indeed, usually a great deal more than anticipated. The present days of Elul are certainly auspicious for such activity in a growing measure.

Wishing you and yours a Kesivo vaChasimo Tovo,

With blessing,

For the Lubavitcher Rebbe,

By (secretary)