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

B”H, 2 Adar I, 5711

Greetings and blessings,

I derived satisfaction from receiving your letter from the day before Rosh ChodeshAdar I, and primarily from the fact that you are not diverting your attention from the matters of R. S., the ritual slaughterer.

It is worthy of note that the prohibition against diverting attention is derived from [the conduct of] the Kohen Gadol1 (Shabbos 12a).2 For “the lips of a kohen”— this applies to all kohanim, not only the Kohen Gadol — “will safeguard knowledge.”3 See the Zohar, Vol. III, p. 146b, [which cites that verse]. This applies even in the present age (in contrast to the forehead plate).4 And it is through such [vigilance] that the kohen is entitled to bless the Jewish people.

May it be G‑d’s will that this delay lead to good — apparent and revealed good — for us. [Our Sages teach:]5 “One who prays for a friend... is answered first.” May you be able to share good news about your own matters.

With blessing,

Menachem Schneerson