By the Grace of G‑d
Rosh Chodesh Elul, 5735
[August 8, 1975]
Brooklyn, N. Y.

Rabbi _____
Miami Beach, Fla.

Greeting and Blessing:

I received the letter about your son _____, and was subsequently pleased to receive the report that the medical treatment was successful. May G‑d grant that he should have a complete and speedy Refuo, and that together with your wife, you should bring him and all your children up to a life of Torah, Chuppah and Good Deeds.

Everything is by Hashgocho Protis, and it is significant that the reply is written on Rosh Chodesh Elul, a time of special opportunity for every Jew, as you know. I only mention it in compliance with the suggestion of our Sages, “Encourage the energetic.” Hence, together with all my prayerful wishes, I wish you also to materialize the saying of our Sages, “He who has 100, desires 200; and having attained 200, desires 400.” In other words, your accomplishments in the past should be a constant source of stimulation for greater achievements in the future, particularly as this is for the benefit of the many. Moreover, in the area of Chinuch every effort is eventually greatly rewarded and multiplied in the form of a chain reaction. And the Zechus Horabim also helps. May G‑d grant that you should do this in peace of mind and happy circumstances.

I take this opportunity also to express my appreciation of the help which you have shown to our workers in the Miami area. No doubt here too you will continue your good efforts in an ever growing measure.

In this connection, I would also like to mention a point which I had occasion to call attention to last night, in connection with Rosh Chodesh Elul, a most propitious time, as it is stated שבחודש זה מפשפשים בדקדוקי מצוה כו’ וכל אשר ימצא שם בדק כו’ והוא מנהג טוב (מטה אפרים סי’ תקפ”א, סע”י)

I refer particularly to the campaign which has been urged recently to strengthen Taharas Hamishpocho. I pointed out that a special effort should be made in reference to women who have reached the age of, to quote חדל להיות לשרה אורח כנשים, or the so-called “change of life.” It should be explained to them that by proper preparation and going to the Mikvah this one time and undergoing Tevila in the proper manner, it would purify them for the rest of their lives. In view of this, surely the effort involved (even if this be an effort) is infinitesimal by comparison to the results which can be achieved. It is certain that if this matter be explained to them in a pleasant way, that it would be easily accepted in many, if not most, cases.

In addition to the merit of this thing in itself, it would also have the effect of “one Mitzvo bringing another Mitzvo in its train,” namely, having done this themselves, they could be enlisted in using their influence with younger women to spread the idea of Taharas Hamishpocho. All the more so that it often happens that mothers and grandmothers who have become observant of the Mitzvoth in many areas, and would like to influence their daughters and granddaughters in the area of Taharas Hamishpocho, hesitate to do so in case they are asked, When is it that you went to the Mikvah the last time?

May G‑d grant that you should have good news to report in all above.

With esteem and blessing for a Kesivo vaChasimo Tovo,

M. Schneerson

P.S. The letter has been written in English, so that if you desire, you could use it for the benefit of those for whom English is the easiest language to communicate with.