By the Grace of G-d 6th of Shevat, 5741 Brooklyn, N.Y.

I was grieved to hear of the passing of your wife Mrs. Idit, peace unto her.

I extend to you, and to all the bereaved family, my sincere condolences, and the traditional blessing:

המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון יורושלים

May G-d comfort you and all members of your family in the midst of all the other mourners for Zion and Jerusalem.

The text of this "Blessing to the Mourner", hallowed by tradition of many generations, is significant and meaningful. At first glance, the relevance of personal mourning to that of national mourning is somewhat incongruous, since the former is fresh and vivid, while the latter, though unforgettable, is nearly 2000 years old.

However, precisely in the coupling of the two together lies the inner aspect of the comfort. For just as the loss of the ancient glory of Jerusalem and the Beth Hamikdosh is shared by all Jews, so a personal loss is shared by all Jews, inasmuch as the Jewish people is like one family, indeed like one organism, as our Sages expressed it.

Furthermore, just as the consolation for the national bereavement is sure to come with the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the Holy City, and of the Beth Hamikdosh, as has been faithfully promised by G-d through His sacred Prophets, so assuredly will G-d fulfill His promise for the ressurection and the awakening of the Sleepers in Dust, to rise and sing G-d's praises.

Finally, there is yet another point which is shared by both the personal bereavement and national bereavement: Just as in the case of Zion and Jerusalem, it was only their material aspects, the wood, stone, gold and silver, that were consumed, while the real Sanctuary "The Beth Hamikdosh" that abides in the heart of each and every Jew remains intact, for it is indestructible - so in the case of the personal loss of a near and dear one, only the physical body is mortal, while the soul is eternal, merely departing for a higher world, the World of Truth. Consequently, every Mitzvo and good deed performed here on earth by those left behind, which accords with the Will of the Giver of Life, is also a source of gratification for the departed soul; indeed a credit and Zechus to the Neshama.

May G-d grant that henceforth you should know of no more sorrow, but only goodness and kindness be with you and yours always.

With esteem and blessing

M. Schneerson