By the Grace of G-d 11th of Teves, 5725 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of November 22nd, which reached me with considerable delay. You write about your background and ask what should be your plans for the future.

On the basis of your description of the situation, it is self evident that the deciding factor with regard to your plans should be the ability to arrange your life in accordance with the precepts of our Torah, Toras Chaim; and, as my father-in-law of saintly memory explained, this means that the Torah is not only the guide in life, but also the source of true life and happiness. And while it is a must for its own sake, it is well to bear in mind that the Torah and Mitzvoth are also the channels through which to receive G-d’s blessings in all one’s needs, materially and spiritually. In your case this consideration is even more compelling, in view of the ages of your children, who are at an impressionable age, and are bound to be influenced, consciously and even more so subconsciously, by their environment, and especially by the parents themselves. In view of the above, it is advisable to make the change as soon as possible.

It is also self understood that I am speaking not only of factors relating to the education of your children, but also to the matter of a Kosher Parnosso. Inasmuch as we have been assured, that "He who is determined to purify himself, receives help from On High," you may be quite confident that if you make a firm resolution to follow the right course, you will find that the difficulties, if any, are much smaller than they are imagined, or appear to be, and should be overcome with proper energy and determination.

As a matter of fact this is also one of the basic teachings of Chanukah, which we have just celebrated, and with which we start the present month. For, Chanukah recalls the victory of the "weak" over the "strong". And so every person may have habits which have become strong by their long duration, by comparison with which his new convictions or insights may be weak. However, where there is a firm resolution, it is possible to bring about the victory of the "weak" over the "strong". The effort, however, must be a steady one that goes from strength to strength, as is further emphasized by the teaching of the Chanukah lights, which we kindle in growing numbers each night of Chanukah.

With blessing

M. Schneerson