By the Grace of G-d 17th of Shevat, 5746Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 9th of Jan. 1986, with enclosure. . .

My advice is as follows:

I gather from your writing that your marriage was solemnized "In accordance with the Law of Mosheh and Israel." I trust, therefore, that you are aware that according to the Torah a Jewish marriage is sacred and brings down the Shechinah (G-d's presence) into the Jewish home, making it a Mikdosh Me'at. something in the nature of the Beis HaMikdosh in Jerusalem of old.

In light of the above, one can appreciate the extraordinary Z'chus of the two partners in the marriage, the husband and wife, of bringing about and preserving this sacred institution.

At the same time, the Torah cautions them to be ever watchful of the tricky Seducer, the Yetzer-Hara, whose job it is to try to confuse and distract a Jew in order to test his inner love for HaShem and His Torah and to weaken his/her resolve to do Mitzvos; especially a Mitzva of such magnitude as setting up a Jewish home and family life on the foundations of the Torah and Mitzvos, which is not merely a matter of personal fulfilment and happiness, but is also of vital concern for our en[tire] Jewish people consisting of the unified totality of Torah-true Jewish homes and families.

Now, in order to have some chance of success in his deceptions, the Yetzer-Hara attempts to disguise his "arguments" in a mantle of "righteousness," as if they were "justified" from the Torah viewpoint, thus, in effect, using Torah-like arguments to undermine the Torah-way.

The best way to cope with such a situation is to completely ignore any and all the tactics of the Yetzer-Hara, and to follow faithfully the Torah imperative: "You shall be wholehearted with G-d, your G-d." This means: To conduct the everyday life in accordance with the directives of the Shulchan-Aruch, of which there is a Kitzur (digest) also in English. And whenever any seductive thought, doubt, or temptation that is at variance with the Torah enters the mind, tell the Yetzer- Hara: "This is no time to discuss it with you; let's leave it for a more convenient moment."

And there is the assurance that "whoever is determined to purify oneself, receives aid from On High."

What makes it easier to overcome distracting thoughts and confusion is being extra careful in the observance of Kashrus of all foods and beverages consumed; as well as having the Mezuzos checked to make sure they are kosher and properly affixed.

As requested, I will remember both you and your husband in prayer when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in- law the Rebbe of saintly memory.

Receipt, is enclosed for your Tzedoko, and may the Z'chus of it bring you additional Divine blessings for Hatzlocho in all above, and for good tidings.

With blessing,

M. Schneerson

P.S. Inasmuch as you asked for an urgent reply, this letter is sent to you via Express-Special Delivery.