By the Grace of G‑d
15th of Tammuz, 5723 [July 7, 1963]
Brooklyn, N, Y.
Blessing and Greeting:
I was pleased to receive your letter with the enclosure. I am gratified to note that you found the children well and happy, and that all is well also in the educational work.
I was, of course, also pleased to note that after our conversation, you felt much encouraged in regard to your work for spreading Yiddishkeit. In regard to your writing that you had the feeling that you could conquer the world, may I add that this is not only a manner of speaking, but has a basis in fact, as indicated in the Gemorro (Kiddushin 40b), and also the Rambam states something to that effect, as a matter of Halocho, when he says that a person should always consider his positive and negative deeds as equivalence, and so the whole world. If one does an additional Mitzva, he places himself as well as the whole world in the scale of Zechus, outweighing the negative side.
The above is true, of course, also in the matter of spreading Yiddishkeit, and not only for the purpose of out balancing. For the activities in Chinuch, starting in a sincere and hearty way, create a chain reaction, and eventually the students themselves become sources of influence, either as teachers or in other active capacities, with the same enthusiasm and inspiration.
I trust that you observed in a suitable way the auspicious days of 12-13th of Tammuz. These days marked the liberation of my father-in-law of saintly memory from Soviet imprisonment, where his life was in jeopardy as a result of his relentless and sustained tattle for the preservation of the Jewish life and institutions even under that totalitarian and anti-religious regime. His selfless dedication, as well as miraculous triumph, is an inspiration to every one of us, and proves once again that where there is a will and determination in matters of Torah and Mitzvoth, no obstacles are insurmountable. May the inspiration of these days be with you throughout the year.
With blessing
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