B.H.
24 Tammuz, 5739
Brooklyn, N.Y.
[July 19, 1979]

Sholom uBrocho:

Many thanks for your correspondence, including the report about your nephew, Elia Jaffe.

Since you did not write his address, it is your own “fault” that I must impose on you to forward the enclosed letter to him. A copy of the letter is also enclosed for your files.

It is surprising that you did not mention anything about your sister Rose in Eretz Yisroel, but I trust it is a case of “no news is good news.”

With all good wishes to you and yours, and with blessing,

M. Schneerson

By the Grace of G‑d
24 Tammuz, 5739\
Brooklyn, N.Y.
[July 19, 1979]

Mr. Elia Jaffe
Jerusalem

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to see from the report in “Maariv,” supplemented by the report from your Uncle, our esteemed friend R’ Schneur Zalman Jaffe, that the concert you conducted in London was a great success, not only from the musical viewpoint, but also in having impressed the audience with your personal conduct – in fulfilment of the imperative, “Know Him in all your ways.” I have in mind, of course the fact that you appeared with your Tzitzis showing and with head covered, with dignified Jewish pride.

Since Tzitzis is a reminder of all G‑d's Mitzvos, and head-covering symbolizes Yiras Shomayim, as our Sages declare, the impact on the audience, and subsequently on the readers who read about it, could not have been more fitting.

All the more so, as it was linked with music, which touches most deeply the heartstrings of human beings in general, and of Jews in particular. Or, as my father-in-law of saintly memory expressed it, that Neginah is that medium which puts a person in direct communication, by way of the heart, with the inner soul – much more readily than the spoken or written word, since the latter involve attributes of the cool intellect, and certain things can be better perceived emotionally than intellectually.

May G‑d grant that the above mentioned influence on your Jewish audience will be translated into practical effects, in terms of strengthening their commitment to Torah and Mitzvos in the everyday life, and that you should continue to enjoy Hatzlocho in all above, and in a growing measure.

As for the non-Jewish audience, there is the well known instruction of the Torah (= meaning, “teaching”) that a Jew is also obligated to encourage gentiles in their observance of the Seven Laws given to the children of Noach (i.e. to all humanity) in respect of justice, morality, kindness etc., which – with all their ramifications – constitute the very basis of any human society. Thus, your personal conduct at these public appearances helps to promote also the above.

Knowing of your family background no further elaboration is necessary.

While on this subject, I would like to add that I trust you have regular daily Shiurim in Torah. I mention it only in compliance with the principle, “Encourage the energetic,” for there is always room for advancement, either in quantity or quality, or both. This would also be in keeping with the spirit of the Chag Hageuloh of my saintly father-in-law on the 12-13th of this month. The history of this anniversary is surely known to you, as also its significance for all of us, in terms of increased activity in all matters of Torah and Mitzvos, both in the personal life as well as in promoting Yiddishkeit without compromise in one’s surroundings, by example and precept.

Wishing you continued Hatzlocho in all above, with blessing.