Igrot Kodesh · Letter 3234 — Tzedakah

B"H

27 Teves* 5715,

Brooklyn,

To Mrs. Rivkah (see note 1),

Greetings and blessings,

I was pleased to receive your letter, in which you discuss the particularly important project of organizing young women and having them meet on certain dates in order to study and converse on subjects related to Judaism, in particular the laws of our holy Torah* and Jewish customs. It is difficult to imagine how beneficial all of this is, particularly when it involves young women who have just established their home. For upon this beginning depends the future of an upright and blessed generation.

I noted with pleasure that you assured them of the apolitical character of these activities and of the fact that they are not intended to collect funds. In America, this has unfortunately become a golden calf! Many people become frightened and withdraw, when the influence that could have been exerted upon them would have been important and effective. I hope that you will act in this domain with the appropriate energy. In doing so, you will undoubtedly know success.

I enclose a copy of my letter addressed to the various groups of the association of Chabad* women and girls, even though yours is in the process of formation. You may read it as if it were a letter addressed to your friends who are active, like you, in this organization — and indeed, that is precisely what it is.

I take this opportunity to greet and wish blessing and success to those who already contribute their participation, and to those who will set as their goal the fulfillment of the Will of Hashem*, the strengthening and dissemination of Judaism. Hashem* will satisfy all their needs, as well as those of the members of their families.

It is no doubt unnecessary to remind you that your essential objective must be to ensure that the Mitzvos* are put into practice on a daily basis, for such is indeed the purpose of man (see letters no. 3048 and 3231). Certainly, to some people, such an approach must be presented diplomatically, after introductions and preparations. However, these preparations must not substitute for what remains essential.

With my blessing for success,

You ask me whether you should affiliate with a political organization of young women. In my opinion, you should not do so, for I see no benefit in it. On the contrary, it would surely be detrimental to your work, for whatever organization is chosen, some will not be pleased with it.

However, this does not prevent, if it is necessary or beneficial to many people, participating in meetings of such organizations as guests.