Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7521 — Tzedakah

By the grace of Hashem,

27 Kislev* 5721,

Brooklyn,

I greet you and bless you,

I am responding to your letter of this Monday, in which you tell me that you wish to know Chabad* Chassidus* and, what is no less important, its directives and customs, even in daily life, since, according to the ruling of the Mishnah*, "the act is essential." It would be good, at first, to familiarize yourself with the content of the Likkutei Dibburim*, which is a collection of talks delivered on various occasions by my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit protects us. You will be able to discover therein Chassidus* and the life of the Chassidim*, based on the teaching and directives of Chassidus*.

Nevertheless, reading books cannot be compared to direct contact, as the Alter Rebbe* emphasizes in his introduction to the Tanya*. It would therefore be judicious for you to become acquainted with the young Lubavitch* Chassidim* residing in Boston and to converse with them. No doubt you know some of them. Through their intermediary, you will also be able to draw closer to the others.

May Hashem grant that you put into practice this good decision, as you announced it to me in your letter. As with everything that concerns Judaism, the Torah* and the Mitzvos*, you will do so with joy and enthusiasm, which will also be the channel and the receptacle enabling one to obtain the blessings of Hashem in all your needs, for yourself and for your family. With my blessing to give good tidings of what we discussed during our conversation and for a joyous Chanukah*,