By the Grace of G-d 10th of Elul, 5738 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessings:

Your letter, postmarked Aug. 8th, has just been received, in which you ask for advice as to what to do with your life, etc.

I trust you know that the Torah, which is called Toras Chaim and Toras Emes, because it is the Jew’s true guide in life, gives detailed instructions as to the daily life and conduct of a Jew, which are set forth in precise form in the Shulchan Aruch. Thus, a Jew’s first purpose in life is to conduct his daily life accordingly. Moreover, in addition to this being a must for its own sake, the Torah and Mitzvoth are the channels through which to receive G-d’s blessings. Therefore, every additional effort in matters of goodness and holiness, Torah and Mitzvoth, is bound to bring additional Divine blessings, including also the blessing to see one’s way in life clearly and in every aspect.

You also ask whether you should go to live in some other country, but it is not clear if this has to do with the question of Parnosso. At any rate, one should bear in mind that whatever source of Parnosso one chooses, it should be in a way that does not interfere with the daily life and conduct mentioned above, namely that you should have no problems about Shabbos and Yom Tov observance, etc.

There are certain Mitzvoth which are connected with G-d’s blessings in certain areas, and when a special blessing is needed in that particular area, this Mitzvo should be observed with extra care. In your situation, you should be particularly meticulous in the Mitzvo of putting on Tefillin every weekday morning, which has the quality of deepening one's understanding and helping to achieve the proper harmony between the mind and the heart, etc.¹

If you will let me know your full Hebrew name, together with your mother's Hebrew name, as is customary, I will remember you in prayer.

Wishing you a Kesivo vaChasimo Tovo, for a good and sweet year.

With blessing,