By the Grace of G-d Rosh Chodesh Kislev, 5742. Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

Your letter of the 13th of Tishrei, sent by hand, was duly delivered, with the enclosure. I regret that my acknowledgment has unavoidably been delayed.

As requested, I will remember you in prayer for the fulfillment of your heart’s desires for good in all the matters about which you wrote.

No doubt you heard, and probably also know it from experience, that the Yetzer tries all sorts of ways to distract a Jew from serving HaShem with joy. The Yetzer has, of course, a special approach to the individual, and sometimes it may be by way of trying to persuade the person that since he or she is not sufficiently Frum, it is not worth making an effort, and the like.

However, we have the assurance of the Torah that in resisting the Yetzer, a Jew has the assistance of HaShem, and thus he or she may be certain of defeating the Yetzer. One of the ways to do this is not to enter into a discussion or debate with the Yetzer in the first place, but reject out of hand any distracting thought or idea by declaring that this is not the time to enter into a philosophical discussion on the matter, since one must first of all be busy with actually serving G-d energetically and with joy.

With reference to your most important question, although you mention it at the end of your letter, namely regarding a Shidduch - certainly it is a good thing, and deserves priority consideration. There is surely no need to point out to you that the first Mitzvo in the Torah is to raise a family, and the order in Torah is also significant.

Receipt is enclosed for your Tzedoko, and may the Zechus of it additionally stand you in good stead.

As requested, I will also remember in prayer the others mentioned in your letter. I trust you will find the proper words to explain to them that since HaShem is the Source of all blessings, and the channel to receive them is through the everyday life and conduct in accordance with His Will, every additional effort in matters of Yiddishkeit, Torah and Mitzvoth, though a must for their own sake, widens these channels.

Wishing you and all your friends a bright and inspiring Chanukah,

With blessing,