Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7380 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

2 Menachem Av* 5720,

Brooklyn,

I greet you and bless you,

I am responding to your letter of 7/10. In general, it is advisable to recruit a trustworthy buyer, from whose expertise you will benefit in the best way. This will be good for your business and good for you yourself. Moreover, what is good for your business is also good according to the Torah*. Indeed, the profit will be used in a positive manner, in accordance with the teaching of our master, the Baal Shem Tov*, commenting on the verse: "When you see the donkey..." (note 1: "...of your enemy collapsing under its burden and you would want to turn away") "you shall surely help him" (note 2: According to which the body and material domains must also participate in the service of Hashem).

One must therefore serve Hashem with one's body and everything that pertains to it — not only through the portion (note 3: Of the commercial profits) that is directly given to Tzedakah* and which, in the words of the Alter Rebbe*, in chapter 34 of the Tanya*, "brings elevation to the four parts" (note 4: To the other four-fifths, one-fifth being given to Tzedakah*), but also through these four parts themselves, in accordance with the Halachic* ruling of the Torah*: "In all your ways, acknowledge Him," which is explained at length by the Tur*, Shulchan Aruch*, Orach Chaim*, chapter 231. You will also see what the Tanya* says at this reference: "Furthermore, during the study of the Torah* and prayer, everything receives elevation toward Hashem." With my blessing to give good tidings of all this,