By the Grace of G-d 17th of Shevat, 5740 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing: 

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter with enclosure. May G-d grant you success in your professional services to bring relief and healing to those who turn to you for help. 

Your qualifications as clinical social worker, holding certificates also in psychotherapy and in mental health consultation, etc. as outlined in your curriculum vitae, surely present a wide range of professional services which, I am sure, you render with warm personal interest and consideration for your patients. And there is no need to emphasize to you how important such an attitude is therapeutically in the medical profession in general and in your field in particular. 

Nor is there any need to point out to you that those of your patients for whom belief in G-d is a meaningful factor in their lives and not merely in an abstract way but in terms of actual commitment to religious observances and practices in the everyday life, in accordance with the Shulchan Aruch, the Code of Jewish living and conduct – would derive much benefit from your encouraging and strengthening them in this belief. Clearly, strong trust in G-d goes a long way to relieve, and even dispel anxiety and helps one attain inner peace and confidence; moreover it helps to overcome a split-personality syndrome which is so often at the root of mental disorders. Above all the Torah teaches us that the performance of mitzvos, though a "must" for its own sake, is also the channel to receive G-d's blessings materially, physically and spiritually. 

As for your assessment of your own religiosity - we have the assurance that every Jew is endowed with the capacity to better himself, even to make a radical change in the right direction, provided there is the will and determination to do it. And may I add that every advancement in Yiddishkeit on your part would be reflected manifold in all those who would be inspired by your example and influence. Thus, the "zechus horabim'' will stand you in good stead. 

I trust you will accept my above remarks in the spirit in which they are offered, and may G-d grant that you should have good news to report in all above. 

With blessing,