By the Grace of G-d8th of Cheshvan, 5740Brooklyn, N. Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 30th of Tishrei, 5740. May G-d grant the fulfillment of your heart’s desires for good, especially that you should have no difficulties in conducting your everyday life in accordance with the Torah, Toras Chaim and Toras Emes, the Jew’s true guide in life. And in regard to all matters of Torah and Mitzvoth, there is the assurance of Yogato Umotzoso - that when the proper effort is made, the achievement is even greater than the expectation.

I must take exception to the expression in your letter "to be a fanatic when it comes to serving HaShem.” For, although it is an expression commonly used, it certainly does not fit when it comes to serving G-d. Obviously to serve G-d with joy and enthusiasm is for the benefit of the person and, indeed, in the person’s vital interests, as it is written, "For these (the Torah and mitzvoth) are our life and the length of our days." Hence, it is hardly fitting to say that a person is fanatical when it concerns his very life and survival and is the essential purpose in life.

This is not fanaticism, but a natural and the only normal action. Indeed, if one may say so, it should be more like a spontaneous reflexive reaction, except that those who do not realize their true purpose in life, much less their very essence, become insensitive to the fact that by seeking "green pastures" outside of Torah Yiddishkeit, they place themselves in the position of a fish who would attempt to seek a better life on dry land. There is surely no need to elaborate to you on this.

With blessing,