By the Grace of G‑d
14th of Tammuz, 5719
Brooklyn, N.Y.
[July 20, 1959]

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of July 15th, and was very pleased to read in it that you remained in… the Shechita Board. For, after all, the rank is here not the important thing, but rather the … influence, and these will be concentrated in your hands...

It happens that promises before elections are not always kept after elections. Therefore, even if the said person will not always abide by his promises, I trust that it will in no way affect your work for the benefit of the community. Furthermore, the Zechus Horabim will stand you in good stead and you will be successful, which will at the same time also provide additional channels to receive G‑d’s blessings in all your affairs, public and private.

Your letter reached me during the auspicious days of 12-13th of Tammuz, marking the Liberation of my father-in-law of saintly memory from im­prisonment and persecution in Soviet Russia for his work for Jews and Yiddishkeit there. My father-in-law had declared that his liberation was not a personal affair, but it was a victory of all the holy things for which he had fought, namely, the strengthening and spreading of Yiddishkeit in general, and of the teachings of Chassidus in particular. Therefore these days are auspicious for everyone who is associated with his work, and a source of inspiration and blessing.

I was pleased to read in your letter of your successful business activities, and may you continue to do successful business in an ever-growing measure.

I was also particularly pleased to note in your letter that you took advantage of an opportunity when you were called upon to make a public speech at the grammar school, and you made a declaration on the importance of higher Jewish education for boys and girls. May G‑d grant that this fundamental and vital idea has taken root in the hearts of all the listeners, and will bring good results with all speed. For, as I have often emphasized, in the question of education, the time element is of the essence, and opportunities lost are rarely retrieved.

On this day of “Issru Chag” of the Liberation Festival, I send you my prayerful wishes that you enjoy liberation and freedom from all anxieties and difficulties, and that you carry on your good work with true inner joy and gladness of heart, going from strength to strength, both materially and spiritually.

With blessing,

M. Schneerson