Igrot Kodesh · Letter 5544 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem*,

26 Sivan* 5717,

Brooklyn,

I greet you and bless you,

I respond to your letter of 18/6, in which you describe your state of health and that of your wife, as well as your material existence.

I am surprised by the formulation of your letter, when you have seen with your own eyes the evident wonders of Hashem*, the miracles that preserved us from the camps. We are now in a place where danger has completely disappeared. Yet you persist in your question, "Who will come to my aid?" — and you forget that it is written, immediately following this: "My help comes from Hashem*."

Of course, my purpose is not to admonish you. You know the teaching of our Sages: "Do not judge your fellow until you have reached his place" and "Give every person the benefit of the doubt." I merely wish to illuminate this idea here as it truly is. Thus you will understand how firm you must be in your trust* in the Creator of the world, Who directs it. The more unshakable this trust* is, the sooner you will witness the intensification of the blessings of Hashem*.

All of this is even more important in your situation. When you seek employment or a means of earning your livelihood, your interlocutor observes the degree of your certainty that you will obtain the position and the income. This then influences the manner in which he accedes to your request, as can be verified in practice.

Of course, one must also act through natural means, but what has just been said is indeed part of this approach. Furthermore, you must also intensify your commitment to the practice of mitzvos*. This is the channel and the means by which to intensify the blessings of Hashem* in all your needs.

It would be good to have your tefillin* checked, as well as the mezuzos* of your home, to ensure that they conform to halachah*. And your wife will adopt the positive custom of virtuous Jewish women, which consists of giving tzedakah* before the lighting of candles on the eve of Shabbos* and the festivals. Of course, you will undertake this without making a vow.

With my blessing,

On behalf of the Rebbe Shlita*,

the secretary,