By the Grace of G‑d
1 Elul, 5712 [1952]
Brooklyn

Greetings and Blessings!

I1 received your letter that was written on the day concerning which the Torah repeats the phrase, “[And G‑d saw] that it was good.”2 You write there about yourself and your wife and ask for my opinion on this matter, and you also request a blessing.

When I visit the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe [Rayatz], I will mention you both in prayer — that G‑d grant you sound health and an ample livelihood, and that He speedily gladden your hearts by granting you healthy and viable children.

In order to receive G‑d’s blessings one must have appropriate vessels, namely, matters of Torah and mitzvos. Accordingly, I was happy to hear from the esteemed emissary, R. BenZion Shemtov, that you conduct your lives as one ought to do. I would only like to suggest that every morning before davenen138you donate a few pennies for tzedakah, and that your wife should always make a contribution to tzedakah before candle-lighting on erev Shabbos and erev Yom-Tov.

You should also convey to your wife that she should muster strength in her trust in G‑d, Who created and conducts such a big world — so for sure His specific Providence watches over each of you, leading you in the way that is best. Let her place her reliance on the Torah and the Shulchan Aruch,3 not undertaking stringencies4 beyond what is required by the Shulchan Aruch, but also not acting more leniently5 (G‑d forbid) than what is required by the Shulchan Aruch. And when one conducts oneself according to what is written in the Shulchan Aruch, such conduct constitutes good vessels to contain G‑d’s blessings for every individual according to his needs.

You should also see to it that the mezuzos in your home are kosher. Another point: Especially in the present month of Elul, the month of Divine mercy, each of you — or you together with your wife — should talk for at least a few minutes on the subject of trusting in G‑d. And I hope that you will soon be able to give me the good news that you and your wife feel well, that you have fortified your trust in G‑d, and that you observe the workings of Divine Providence — that G‑d is leading you in a good direction both materially and spiritually.

With blessings that you be inscribed and sealed for a good year, and in anticipation of glad tidings,

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