ב"ה2 Ador I 5711Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greetings and Blessing:

I received your letter a few days ago, but owing to pressure of work my replying has been delayed until now.

Referring to the contents of your letter, I send you my prayerful wish, and I am certain, that you will return home safe and sound, and that you will participate in many 'farbrengen' to come, when you will rejoice and make others rejoice too.

The enclosed Message, "Courage and Safety Through Faith and Trust in G-d", based on a talk with my father-in-law of sainted memory, will give you answers to the questions you ask in your letter. Read it and you will feel encouraged and optimistic.¹

As to the question, what one can accomplish, etc., perhaps you know what my father-in-law said, quoting the Baal Shem Tov, that sometimes the whole purpose of a soul coming down on this earth and living 70 – 80 years, is to do a fellow-Jew a favor either materially or spiritually.² This goes to show how important is a good deed. You, in the army, certainly have many opportunities to do your coreligionists many good deeds, materially or spiritually or both. This ought to make you feel very happy.³

I want to underline again the importance, in general, and especially for Jewish soldiers in service, to observe the Mitzvah of Tefillin daily (except Shabbos and Yomtov, of course), which is also a 'segulo' for long life.⁴

I want to send my regards and best wishes to your comrades-in-arms and to wish them a safe return home. I hope to hear from you on occasion and of your good influence around you in encouraging your friends to observe the Mitzvoth. I conclude with the words of King David: G-d is my Sheperd, I shall not want... I fear no evil, for Thou art with me. (psalm 23, which my father-in-law prescribed also for servicemen, as you will find in the Message).

With blessing

M. Schneerson