By the grace of G-d 5th Day of Chanukah 5745 Brooklyn, N.Y.

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of your husband, Yehoshua Pinchas HaKohen, may he rest in peace. I extend to you, and to all the bereaved family, heartfelt sympathy and the traditional blessing of condolence -

המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

The Almighty comfort you in the midst of all mourners for Zion and Jerusalem.

Expressing condolence during these days of Chanukah brings to mind the rare Zechus of your late husband in bringing light and delight into the hearts of so many fellow Jews through his songs and melodies in the spirit of Chanukah, throughout his lifetime on earth. Indeed, he will continue to touch and inspire Jewish hearts also posthumously through his records, which, hopefully, are still available and will be kept in adequate supply also in the future.

This Zechus, together with his other endeavors in the cause of Torah and Torah education, will certainly accompany his soul in the World That Is All Light, while it will also stand you in good stead, since you have been so much part of his life and achievements in this world. May you be blessed with many more healthful and fruitful years.

The Torah assures us that every good deed performed in this world hasten the time when "those who sleep in the dust will awake to sing G-d’s praises” - among them Yehoshua Pinchas HaKohen, of blessed memory.

With blessing

M. Schneerson

P.S. Although our representative attended the L'vayah, etc. it is our custom to postpone personal condolences to the latter part of Shivah. Please convey my sympathy to your son and daughters, though I had not the pleasure of meeting them. May goodness and benevolence be with you always.