By the Grace of G‑d
15th of Elul, 5741 [September 14, 1981]
Brooklyn, N. Y.

Mr. ----
Johannesburg
South Africa

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of the 12th of Aug., and many thanks for the good news it contained, particularly that you started an already very well attended Minyan [prayer quorum] at the Torah Academy in your neighborhood.

I trust that the Minyan will be not only a place for prayer, but also a place for Torah study, especially in view of the emphasis which our Sages place on the combination of prayer and Torah, in their commentary on the verse, "G‑d loves the gates of Zion" (Tehillim [Psalms] 87:2).

It is well to bear in mind that the essential function of a Shul [synagogue] is that it should serve as a "Lighthouse" to illuminate the life of the worshippers and their homes, as well as the whole environment.

May G‑d grant that you and all who are participating in this work should go from strength to strength in the said direction, with joy and gladness of heart.

At this time, with the approach of Rosh Hashono, I send you and all yours my prayerful wishes for a good and happy year, materially and spiritually.

With blessing,

M. Schneerson