Igrot Kodesh · Letter 6811 — Tzedakah

By the grace of Hashem,

12 Nissan* 5711,

Brooklyn,

I bless you and greet you,

I am responding to your letter, in which you pose the following question. Certain women (note 1: Who, for the time being, are not yet observant) wish to take part in the gatherings of Chabad* women and young women, and there is reason to hope that many advantages will result from this for their fear of Hashem. On the other hand, a few of the permanent members do not feel comfortable in the presence of these women (note 2: Due to their lack of observance). How should this problem be resolved?

To every member of the Chabad* women and young women, especially those who are active and, in particular, the founders, one should explain the great importance of drawing a Jew — man or woman — close to Jewish practice. One must tell them that the masters of Chabad* gave of themselves for this, going so far as to risk their lives for this purpose. Moreover, they devoted their time — which they could have reserved for the pursuit of the highest elevation — to convincing a Jew with whom they apparently had no connection to put into practice a simple mitzvah* or, all the more so, an important mitzvah*.

Our masters related all this to us, and it is certain that their intent was not to tell a nice story (note 3: In English in the original text, "story," the rest of the letter being in Yiddish). They wished that each person draw a lesson from it on how to react in such a case, even though it is clear that no one can compare himself to our masters. Yet this is what happened.

I wish to hope that when all this is explained to them, these Chabad* women and young women will set aside their displeasure and allow a Jewish soul to draw close to the Holy One, blessed be He, to His Torah*, and to His mitzvos*. They must not only accept it but, furthermore, express their gratitude to Hashem, Who grants them such an opportunity. They will therefore set aside their arguments for the sanctity of His Name. I send you my blessing to give good tidings of all that has just been said, and of the development of the activities of the Chabad* women and young women, as well as for a kosher and joyous festival of Pesach*,

For the Rebbe Shlita*,

the secretary,