Igrot Kodesh · Letter 776 — Health

By the grace of Hashem,
7 Tishri 5711,

To Madame ...,

I bless and greet you,

I duly received your letter, in which you describe to me your own situation, that of your husband and that of your daughter. You tell me that, for some time already, your husband's affairs have been bad, and you ask for my blessing.

A new year is now beginning. The Jews, who are the children of Hashem, have a merciful Father, Who wishes to fulfill all their needs. Moreover, during Rosh Hashanah* and the following days, His children turned toward Him and, with all their heart, implored His help. One can therefore be certain that Hashem has acceded to these requests and will grant you a good and sweet year. He will allow your husband's health to improve, his affairs to prosper, and you to have much nachas, Yiddishe nachas, from your daughter.

You write to me that you remember what your grandfather used to tell you. I am certain that you transmit his words to your daughter. Thus, she will be able, from her earliest age, to enter the way of Yiddishkeit*, to grow as a Jewish girl in the full sense of the word.

It is never too early to begin the Jewish education of a child. The more one trains him, the earlier one begins, and the more one can be sure that he will remain a Jew despite the influence of his surroundings — the more parents will have much nachas from him, Yiddishe nachas.

I would like to know what school your daughter attends. It is doubtless a school in which she can study Yiddishkeit*. Likewise, I would like to know in what field your husband works. Does he take an active part in communal life and in the study of Torah at the synagogue?

I think that, on the eve of Shabbos and the festivals, you should give Tzedakah* in a pushke dedicated to Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess. It is a good means of being in good health and living in abundance.

I have transmitted your contribution to the office of confidential undertakings, which gives aid in a discreet manner to individuals and to institutions. This is one of the highest forms of Tzedakah*. You will find enclosed a receipt.

Wishing you to be definitively inscribed for a good year,

Menachem Schneerson,