Igrot Kodesh · Letter 251 — Rosh Hashana as the directing head of the year—resolutions that lead the whole year

By the grace of Hashem,
Between Rosh Hashana* and Yom Kippur* 5707,
To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem, cherishes the Torah* and pursues Tzedaka*, the communal leader and praiseworthy donor, Rav Gershon Axelrod, Waldasta, Georgia [1],

I greet and bless you,

In the name of Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch* and in my own name, I wish to extend to you, and to all of yours, a good and sweet year, with success in all your endeavors.

The precise translation of Rosh Hashana* is 'head of the year.' Our Sages explain why it is called the head and not the beginning of the year [2]. For just as the head directs the entire body, the good resolutions and positive conduct that one adopts on this day must also direct the entire year.

We therefore express the wish that each of us may know advancement, in this new year, in the moral domain, in the fulfillment of our objectives, and in the realization of our good thoughts and our plans.

We hope this letter finds you in good health. We are surprised not to have had news from you for some time already.

With my blessing to be definitively sealed for a good year,
Rav Menachem Schneerson,
Director of the Executive Committee