By the grace of G-d12 Adar-Sheni 5711Brooklyn, N.Y.

My Dear Mr. Stulman:

I was pleased to hear that you and Mrs. Stulman have returned home safely, after a highly successful trip in every way, I hope. I also trust that an impression was left in the places you visited, the impression of a Jew who believes in One G-d.¹

There is a well known saying by the Baal Shem Tov,² the founder of general Chassidism, to the effect that when a Jew is on the road, no matter what the external reason for his travel may be, he purifies the very air he breathes by his presence, that is, by his spiritual being, associated with his mind and deed in the observance of G-d's precepts. It is possible that a particular spot on the globe waits thousands of years for a Jew to tread upon it and purifying the air around it by proclaiming the Unity of the Creator through thought, speech and deed.

With Purim approaching, it would not be amiss to conclude with a timely thought expressed by my father-in-law of sainted memory on Purim of the year 5701 (1941).³ That was the time when the cruel atrocities against our people began.

Purim, commemorating the triumph of our people over Haman, was achieved by the fact that not withstanding the persecutions perpetrated against them by Haman for no other reason than that of being Jews, the Jews continued to cling to their faith and traditions with even greater devotion than before. Their courage and defiance nullified all attempts against them and turned the day from sorrow to joy.

Likewise, at all times, when we Jews tenaciously adhere to our faith and religious practices, despite all obstacles and difficulties entailed thereby, we come out on top and get rid of all Hamans, the physical as well as the spiritual Hamans, and enjoy light, and gladness and joy.⁴

With kindest personal regards and best wishes for a happy Purim,

Cordially yours,

M. Schneerson