By the Grace of G-d20 Teves, 5744(26 Dec. 1983)Brooklyn N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I am pleased to acknowledge receipt of your kind letter of December 9, 1983. It is gratifying to know how much you and the Jewish servicemen under your command in Grenada appreciate Rabbi Goldstein’s services, especially during Hanukkah.

On my part, I take pleasure in expressing sincere thanks to you for extending to our emissary every cooperation to facilitate his carrying out his duties as Jewish chaplain.

I am particularly appreciative of your splendid cooperation helping Rabbi Goldstein carry out a specially significant assignment, namely, the printing of the book Tanya in Grenada.

This 18th century Habad classic expounds a philosophy and way of life permeated with profound awareness of the Supreme Being, whose benevolent Divine Providence extends to all His creatures, to nations as well as to every individual human being. It is a philosophy that inspires trust in G‑d, a feeling of optimism and confidence, dedication to the time-honored moral values, and a deeply-felt responsibility to promote all that is good, indeed vital, for a wholesome and meaningful human society. Many of these concepts are, of course, part of the American way, on which the morale of the American servicemen rests.

Should there be a suitable opportunity, I would be very pleased if you would convey my warm sentiments and thanks to all those of rank and file who were helpful with you in making Rabbi Goldstein’s chaplaincy such a memorable experience.

With esteem and blessing,

P.S. With reference to your remarks about trying to talk Rabbi Goldstein into entering active duty as a Chaplain - insofar as I am familiar with his family obligations, including personal supervision of his young children’s education, and also as head of the family in a broader sense, including aging parents needing his moral support, etc., I doubt whether he could in all conscience accept the responsibilities of a Chaplain for an extended period, with the peace of mind and dedication that he would expect of himself.