By the Grace of G-d 25th of Tishrei, 5737 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Your letter reached me with some delay.

You surely know that one of the basics of our Torah, called Toras Emes and Toras Chayim - because it is our true guide in the daily life - in that [at] no time must a person permit himself to feel despondent, whatever the situation may be, and however he may assess it in his own human mind. And if this is true at all times, it should certainly have no place at this time coming from all the festivals of Tishrei, which are permeated with trust in G-d and which culminate in the Festival of Our Rejoicing, based on the verse in G-d’s Torah, “And you shall rejoice before G-d your G-d.” This also implies that a Jew is always before G-d and is never alone. Indeed, the stronger one’s faith in G-d, Whose benevolent Providence extends to each and everyone individually, the greater becomes and sooner becomes apparent G-d’s benevolence. I trust there is no need to elaborate to you on this any further.

However, I do wish to add a word, which I trust you will accept in the spirit that it is given. Clearly, when a person needs a favor from another person, especially one who is a ruler, he will try not to do anything that would displease his would-be benefactor. He would do this even if he were doubtful about the outcome of his request, or whether that other person is really concerned about his well-being, or perhaps the request might be in conflict with that person’s own interest, etc. All this of course, does not apply to G-d, upon Whose benevolence every human being must always depend. It is also clear that the mitzvot which G-d has given for all Jews to observe are not intended for G-d’s benefit, but for the benefit of the doer. Clearly therefore, that when G-d’s blessings are needed, it is necessary to observe His mitzvot in the daily life in accordance with His Will. For, although the Torah and mitzvot have to be observed for their own sake, G-d has made them the channels through which to receive His blessings.

From the above, it follows that even when it appears difficult to observe the mitzvot, it is certain that G-d has provided the ability to overcome all difficulties, for He would not require anything which is beyond human capacity. This is why our Sages assure us, “Try hard and you will succeed,” for in the final analysis, it is largely a matter of one’s own will and determination.

The above includes not only yourself, but also your children especially children that are still young and have to be trained and taught the Jewish way of life. In our day and age, when outside influences are very strong and often very negative, it is especially important for parents to remember their paramount obligation and to provide them with the proper Torah chinuch.

There is always the right approach to exercise the right influence on the children, and if the right approach is used, it is certain to be effective.

A further point. The Torah is called Toras Chayim, as mentioned above, also in the sense that it is the source of life. And just as in regard to life, one cannot say that during three days in the year he will be alive and the rest of the time he will keep himself in a state of suspended animation, G-d forbid, so in regard to Torah and mitzvot, which must be observed every day, and not merely three days a year on the High Holy Days, or one day in the week, on Shabbos, but all the time and every day.

I trust that there is no need to elaborate on the above. And no doubt you know that the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, containing a digest of all the practical laws which a Jew has to fulfill in the daily life, is available also in English.

May G-d, Whose benevolent Providence extends to each and every one individually, lead you in the way that is truly good for you, the kind of good that is evident and obvious.

If you will let me know the Hebrew names, together with the mother’s Hebrew name in each case, as customary, I will remember you all in prayer.

Hoping to hear good news from you in all above.

With blessing,