By the Grace of G‑d
2nd Day of Sivan, 5729 [May 19, 1969]
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr. ----, Co-Chairman, Dinner Committee
Mr. ----, Journal Chairman
Congregation Bnei Ruven
Chicago, Ill.
Greeting and Blessing:
I was pleased to receive your letter of the 26th of Iyar, and to note that the Honorary Officers and membership of the Congregation Bnei Ruven are honoring Rabbi and Mrs. ----- on the occasion of their three-fold Simcha.
I am particularly gratified to see that the services of your distinguished Rabbi are so well appreciated. I am confident that his dedication to Torah and Yiddishkeit without compromise is the living pattern for the lay leadership of the congregation, as well as the membership at large, each and every one doing their utmost to ensure that the House of Prayer and the House of Study of your congregation should be likewise conducted with faithful adherence to our sacred traditions without compromise. May your congregation serve as a living example to be emulated by others.
Since everything is by Hashgocho Protis (Divine Providence), it is significant that this letter is being written on the second day of Sivan. For, regarding this date, the Alter Rebbe reminds us in his Shulchan Aruch (end of sec. 494) that it was on this day that G‑d told the Jewish people through Moshe Rabbenu: "And you shall be unto Me a kingdom of Kohanim and a holy nation." This means that, although the Kohanim have been separated from the midst of the Jewish people and raised, to a special status, the purpose was that they should raise the whole Jewish people to a higher plain of holiness. In a similar sense it is the duty and privilege of the spiritual leader of the congregation, as well as of the lay leaders, to see to it that the high principles and standards of your Rabbi should be emulated by each and every one of the members. This can effectively be accomplished through the synagogue, when the light, warmth and holiness of the synagogue are brought into each member's house and household, and in all affairs and aspects of the daily life.
Inasmuch as there is no limit to the good and holy, since they are infinite, being derived from the Infinite, may G‑d grant that the entire congregation, under the leadership of, and together with, your esteemed Rabbi Shusterman, advance from strength to strength in all matters of goodness and holiness. This will also widen the channels and vessels to receive and enjoy G‑d's blessings in abundance, materially and spiritually.
With prayerful wishes for Hatzlocho, and with the traditional blessing for קבלת התורה בשמחה ובפנימיות - a happy and inspiring Festival of Receiving the Torah with joy and inwardness.
With blessing,
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