Igrot Kodesh · Letter 3205 — Health

B"H

19 Teves* 5715,
Brooklyn, New York.

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem and
devotes himself to communal needs,
full of zeal, of generous conduct,
Rav Yehudah Leib (presumably Rav Y. L. Merkin; see, on this subject, letter no. 2500),

Greetings and blessing,

I am pleased to have good news of the way you are taking an interest in the appropriate preparations for the annual celebration of the Yeshivah* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch (see, on this subject, letter no. 3209). This will take place this Sunday, 22 Teves*.

I am also very pleased to note that, although you firmly refused the title of chairman (of this celebration), you contribute with all your heart and in any case, I hope, no less than in past years, since in this matter one must put into practice the principle that "one ascends in matters of holiness."

When we met in the course of this year, I did not want to ask you in what way the promise of Hashem was being fulfilled for you — that "you shall tithe in order to become wealthy." Thus, not only does one not have a lesser sum in one's pocket by giving Tzedakah*, but quite on the contrary, one multiplies one's earnings. And Hashem says: "Put Me to the test in this matter." I am convinced that He has brilliantly passed this test and that your participation at the dinner of the Lubavitch Yeshivah* last year effectively brought you wealth, in the most literal and primary sense.

I hope that this year, not only will you maintain the same level, but moreover you will put into practice the teaching of our Sages that "one ascends in matters of holiness." In this way, Hashem Himself will keep His promise — "you shall tithe in order to become wealthy." Your increased participation will bring you even greater financial wealth and, what is much more decisive, good health and success, for you and for your wife Miriam.

Custom has it that one concludes by mentioning the Parashah* of the week: "And these are the names of the children of Yisrael*." The Midrash* says on this subject that "they arrived as children of Yisrael* and departed as children of Yisrael*" — which means that they were not influenced by the Egyptians, did not become estranged from their parents and grandparents.

May this be so for each of us, through this contribution to strengthen the Yeshivah*, which reinforces the bond between children, parents, and grandparents. Thus, the people will be whole — a whole and unique nation on earth, through the whole and unique Torah* of the One Elokim.

With my blessing of success,