By the Grace of G‑d
13 Cheshvan, 5741 [October 23, 1980]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I was particularly gratified to note that you have officially assumed your personal Hebrew names. This is certainly in keeping with the earliest Jewish tradition and something which was an important factor in the liberation of our ancestors from Egyptian bondage. For, as you surely know, one of the merits that brought about the Redemption from Egypt was the fact that the Jews there kept their Hebrew names and did not change them. And the significance of this is that a Hebrew name has a meaning and message that binds a Jew with G‑d and His Torah, and this is especially important when Jews are in Exile.

I was very gratified to read about your advancement in matters of Judaism, and especially in regard to the Torah education of your children, and may G‑d grant that you should go from strength to strength in all your good efforts, including the spreading and strengthening of Yiddishkeit within the family, as well as among your Jewish colleagues and friends—all of which will surely widen the channels to receive G‑d's blessings in all needs and in a growing measure.

With blessing,