By the Grace of G-d 10th of Cheshvan, 5741 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Your letter reached me with considerable delay. I regret that my acknowledgement has been further delayed. However, it is timely nevertheless, and has a bearing on your letter, particularly in response to your observation regarding certain negative aspects of places and individuals, etc.

The timeliness that I am alluding to is in the fact that we are coming from the month of Tishrei, which is so rich in religious experience, and in the variety of its festivals concluding with the “Festival of Our Rejoicing,” which itself concludes with Simchas Torah. And, as in the case of all festivals, their purpose is to have a lasting inspiration for all days ahead.

At first glance, the question one may ask as it is also evident from your letter is - how can everyone be expected to carry the Joy of Zman Simchoseinu and Simchas Torah into the everyday life, considering that it is an emotion which is affected by conditions and circumstances of time and place, which are not always conducive to joy, and, in any case, also affected by the subjective reactions of individuals who have to cope with them, some of whom may be more optimistic, or less optimistic by nature?

But since the Torah is both a Toras Chaim and Toras Emes, providing true instruction and it addresses itself to all Jews - it is clear that basically it is within the power of every Jew to live up to it. And it is largely up to the individual to make the most of the conditions and circumstances in which he lives, as it is written - טוב פת חרבה ושלוה בה מבית מלא זבחי-ריב (משלי יז:א).

In other words, it to possible to have a houseful of "feasts' (riches), yet torn by strife, as it is also possible to have a dry morsel of bread, yet coupled with tranquility. Such tranquility is the result of the person's true bitochon in G-d, the Master of the world, whose benevolent Providence extends to each and everyone individually, including himself. And this also brings G-d's blessing into the home that the “dry morsel of bread" should turn into a house full of riches and tranquility.

Needless to say, this letter is not intended as an admonition, especially as I do not know you personally. But I am speaking from observation, knowing of many similar cases which have been turned around largely by the individuals themselves having the proper approach. Actually, what has been said here is not new, as the subject has been adequately discussed and explained in the works of the Sages and teachers of our people, especially by the Guide for the Perplexed, the Rambam and those who followed him.

Now in regard to a practical question in your letter, namely, the idea of leaving Eretz Yisroel in order to make a fresh start elsewhere. In my opinion, apart from the problems connected with this idea, as you state in your letter, it should in any case not be advisable, considering the energy and expense such a move would entail, as well as the adjustment to new circumstances etc., the outcome of which is quite uncertain and unforeseeable. Rather would it be more advisable to put all this effort into a resolute effort to improve the situation in your present place, which, I trust, would in a sustainable measure eliminate the negative aspects which now prompt you to think of moving as the hoped for solution.

With blessing,