This letter was addressed to R. Efraim Eliezer HaKohen Yolles, one of the leading Rabbis in Philadelphia.

B”H, 29 Shvat, 5711

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of the 17th of Shvat in which you ask for help in preparing speeches so that you will be able to speak in front of your congregation.

It is difficult to give instructions regarding the content to deliver to your congregation since you do not describe their character ([are they] businessmen, intellectuals, youth, in their elder years, etc.?) or what they seek — what they are searching for in the Rabbi’s speech. Nevertheless, by and large, you can find enough material in HaKeriah VeHakedushah1for a variety of types of American Jews; for example, kashrus (there is an article in English as well), the role of women (in the urgent message addressed to women), the concepts of exile and redemption, etc. There is an ongoing column on all the Torah readings and the Haftorahs that, at the very least, can be used as a basis and material with which to construct your talks.

If you have a particular subject in mind that you wish to speak about and are seeking relevant sources and references, please notify me and I will make an effort [to find them].

It is surprising that you do not mention anything about the religious life of your community and your activities to strengthen Judaism and even to spread the wellsprings of Chassidus. Ultimately, this is also incumbent on you. Certainly, you have been given the potentials to fulfill this mission. And when you begin, you will succeed.

With blessing, awaiting good news,

Menachem Schneerson