Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8197 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

1 Elul* 5719,

Brooklyn,

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem, of good

conduct and multiple accomplishments,

Rav Shlomo (note 1: Rav S. Perrin, of London. See, regarding him, letter no. 7965),

I greet you and bless you,

I was satisfied to receive your letter of the eve of Rosh Chodesh* Elul*, the month of mercy, in which you announce good news to me. Indeed, you will be sixty years old this Shabbos* Parshas Shoftim*. May Hashem grant that, for long days and good years, you announce good news to me about yourself and all the members of your family. These will concern both the material domains and the spiritual domains. For one knows the saying of the Baal Shem Tov* regarding the verse: "When you see the donkey (note 2: Of your enemy bending under its burden and wishing to abandon it)... you shall come to his aid," according to which one can and one must serve Hashem also by means of material objects. Indeed, one serves Hashem precisely with joy and enthusiasm, as the Rambam* indicates, at the end of the laws of the Lulav*, and several passages of the Tanya*, enumerated in the index at the end of the work.

Moreover, divine Providence has granted you the success and the merit, thanks to your effort and your work, of strengthening and developing the Beis Lubavitch* of London. As is the case for all that is positive, you will surely advance from one stage to another in this matter, for one knows elevation in the domain of holiness. This will multiply the blessings of Hashem and the success He grants to you yourself and to each member of your family. Of course, this also includes the blessing expressed by the Psalm whose reading you will begin (note 3: Psalm 61, verses 7 and 9): "May these years equal those of all the generations... It is thus that I will glorify Your Name for eternity." With my blessing for giving good news of all of this, as well as to be inscribed and sealed for a good year, for yourself and for each member of your family, materially and spiritually,

M. Schneerson,