By the Grace of G-d 19th of Iyar, 5743 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I am in receipt of your letter of the 14th of Iyar, in which you write about your contemplated plans, particularly about moving to Eretz Yisroel, and you ask my advice.

Needless to say, to live in Eretz Yisroel, especially the holy city of Yerushalayim, is a very great thing. On the other hand, it is necessary to take into consideration the great and over-riding principle of the Torah, V’Ohavto L’Reacho Komocho, and the rule that, "The poor of your city come first."

In other words, having been associated with the Jewish community of Chicago for so many years, and having been involved in keeping up Yiddishkeit in your city, including suburbia, it would seem to have a priority claim on your continued help.

There is no need to point out to you that the Jewish community of Chicago is not yet in a position where it can easily do without a person like you, and there is yet so much to do there, not merely to improve the situation, but to help it in vital areas such as Chinuch and the like, which is the only way to stem assimilation, etc.

It has always been my stand that persons who have held positions of influence and leadership in any Jewish community should consider their first obligation to the "poor of your city." Even if you may think that your activities and contributions to Chicago Jewry have not been that vital - I, first of all, would not agree to that assessment. And, in any case, what is to stop you from increasing and widening your activities henceforth? After all, saving one Jewish soul is considered as saving a whole world, how much more so when there are many souls to be saved.

As for the question of business, about which you do not seem to be optimistic for the longer term - this, of course, is not in my sphere of competence. However, I am sure that there must be many similar businesses in Chicago who are continuing, and, in fact, are now more optimistic about, an upturn in connection with the expected improvement in the general economic situation. And even if this is not completely feasible in the case of your business, there may be found other options in regard to Parnosso to equal and even surpass your expectations. Moreover, the Zechus Horabim will also surely stand you in good stead.

At this time, with the approach of Shovuos, the Festival of our Receiving the Torah, I send you and yours prayerful wishes for a joyous and inspiring Shovuos, and the traditional blessing to receive the Torah with joy and inwardness.

With Blessing,

M. Schneerson