Cheshvan 13, 5704November 11, 1943
PFC. Daniel Baron
H&S, Co. 308 Eng. Bn.1
Camp Breckenridge, Ky.
Dear Pvt. Baron:
We are in receipt of your letter of the 5th of October and wish to regret the fact the holiday rush prevented us from answering your letter any sooner.
May we at this time also congratulate you on your decision to stand firm in regard to your religious tenets and to observe the basic principles of your faith no matter how great the obstacles in your path.
Although is the duty of everyone to avoid spiritual trials at all times, one can be sure that when the Almighty puts him in such a situation he will be able to pass all tests completely. As our sages said: אין הקב"ה בא בטרוניא עם בריותיו.2
In order to assist to the best of our ability, we are sending you, as a gift from Machne Israel, a small food package of 4 cans of meat and 4 small packages of cheese. Please confirm receipt of this package.
With kindest regards to you and to all the other boys of Camp Breckenridge, we are
Yours with Torah greetings,
Rabbi Mendel Schneerson
Chairman, Executive Committee
Notes and sources
The above letter is sourced from a secretarial carbon copy bearing archival markings in the Rebbe’s handwriting. The letter was sent on the stationery of Machne Israel.
1) 7 Headquarters and Service Company of the 308th Engineer Combat Battalion, then stationed at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, preparing for overseas deployment.
2) Avodah Zarah 3a. (Translation: G-d does not deal despotically with his creatures).
Source: Secretarial Carbon Copy.
Published: Rebbe Responsa Exclusive.
Struggles of a Religious Soldier