By the Grace of God 22nd of Adar, 5740 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting: 

This is in reply to your letter in which you call my attention to the fact that letters containing money or other items that are muktze arrive on Shabbos, which are opened and inadvertently cause the handling of money on Shabbos, etc. 

I would like to add that regardless of a letter's contents, the opening of a letter on Shabbos is in itself forbidden, even if it is not connected with the handling of money. Therefore, the way to avoid the problem is to see to it that letters should arrive at the beginning or middle of the week, insofar as it is possible to control delivery. 

As for the difficulty of eliminating the said problem, there is no need to elaborate to you. Nevertheless a Jew must never be discouraged from doing everything possible to spread and strengthen Yiddishkeit in the fullest measure. And seeing your interest in the above matter, I trust that you will pursue it within your own circles, and also join the efforts of others who are bringing this problem to the attention of Rabbis and Rabbinic organizations in your city and in other parts of the country, and may G-d grant that all these efforts will bring the desired results. 

Inasmuch as by Divine Providence you wrote to me personally on this matter, I wish to express my confident hope that you are active also in other areas of Yiddishkeit, and doing all you can to spread and strengthen Yiddishkeit not only by showing a shining example, but also by "words coming from the heart which enter the heart and are eventually effective." 

In this connection, it is well to bear in mind the ruling and wonderful teaching of the great Rambam¹ (Maimonides), who declared that every person should consider the state of the whole world as similarly equi-balanced. Hence, one good deed, one mitzvah, on the part of one individual, tips the scale in the direction of merit not only for the individual, but for the whole world. 

At this time, with the approach of the auspicious month of Geulo, the month of Nissan, highlighted by the Festival of our Liberation, I extend to you and all yours prayerful wishes for a Kosher and inspiring Pesach. 

With blessing,