Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7744 — Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem,

5 Elul* 5721,

Brooklyn,

I greet you and bless you,

After a long interruption, I duly received your letter of Rosh Chodesh* Elul*. At a propitious moment, your name will be mentioned near the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit protects us, in conformity with what you write to me. You will understand that I was surprised, upon reading the beginning of your letter, reporting your sadness and your morale, which is not good. You surely have knowledge of what is explained in the holy books, in various texts and especially in Chassidus*. These texts establish the necessity of resolutely rejecting sadness. In fact, it is easy to understand, for at the beginning of the day, one recites the morning blessings. Even before that, one says the Modeh Ani*, "I give thanks to You," and the simple meaning of this term suffices to inspire an immense joy, but surely not the contrary of this expression of thanks, which should not come to pass. For someone like you, it is without a doubt unnecessary to say more.

What is more, you yourself recently had the merit of marrying off your children, at a good and fruitful moment. And, one can cite many other elements as well. One must therefore hope that this contributes to illuminating your situation, to enabling you to perceive it as it truly is. Henceforth, you will be filled with joy and enthusiasm, as our holy Torah*, Torah* of life, commands us. What is more, we currently find ourselves during the favorable days of the month of Elul*, that of mercy and goodwill. With my blessing to give good tidings and to be inscribed and sealed for a good year,