By the Grace of G-d8th of Elul, 5723Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Due to pressure of work, I have, until now, been unable to reply in writing to your letter, in which you wrote about your birthday. However, you have surely received my message to the effect that I will remember you and all the members of your family in prayer, when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory, in accordance with the contents of your letter. You have also, no doubt, received my letter in connection with your son‘s third birthday. Needless to say, all this is in addition to the good wishes which I extend to you at the Farbrengen and may G-d grant that all good wishes which Jews wish one another should be fulfilled.

The reason I am writing to you now is to express my surprise, as well as disappointment, to note that your letter was written in a mood of discouragement in connection with the problem of your thesis. As you have surely heard from others, it is not at all unusual to start working on a thesis and spend considerable time and effort on it, only to find that a revision is necessary. No one can know the ways of G-d, it is certain that G-d‘s benevolent Providence extends to everyone individually, and it is in the essence of the Good to do good. Hence, the first conclusion must be as our sages expressed it, "All that the Merciful One does is for the good", and, moreover, "This is also for the good".

Having entered the special month of Elul, and in view of the fact that this year is the 150th anniversary of the Old Rebbe, founder of Chabad, it is appropriate to recall his teaching in regard to this month. Said the Old Rebbe that during the month of Elul, G-d as it were, like a king in the field, having left his royal palace to meet his subjects on their own ground, when the king feels particularly disposed to meet every man graciously and to fulfill his request.

I hope to hear good news from you, and wish you and yours a Kesivo VaChasimo Toivo

With blessing

M. Schneerson