By the Grace of G-d20th of Kislev, 5736Brooklyn, N. Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

I duly received your letter of November 12th.

With regard to your questions - inasmuch as you write that you are a student at the Lubavitch House School in London, it would be well for you to discuss this with the administration, especially as the reply depends on various details and factors which cannot be easily explained in a letter, and can best be discussed personally.

One general observation I would like to make, and that is that in order to be able to find the proper answer to a problem, and what is even more important, to carry out the solution successfully, it is necessary to have G-d’s blessing. And the channels and vessels to receive G-d’s blessings are through the daily life and conduct in accordance with G-d’s Will, as set forth in the Shulchan Aruch. When a special Divine blessing is needed, a special effort is indicated. Even if it appears to entail some difficulties, it is well to bear in mind that inasmuch as G-d is not only the Creator of the world but also its Master, and He knows everyone and everything individually, He would not give instructions and commandments that cannot possibly be fulfilled. Thus, in the final analysis, it is mainly a matter of one's own will and determination. If there are really some difficulties, it is only because G-d wants every Jew to show his real devotion to Him, and to do this freely, in which case the reward is all the greater.

At this time before Chanukah, I send you best wishes for a bright and inspiring Chanukah, and may the inspiration and lessons of Chanukah be with you throughout the year.

With blessing,

M. Schneerson