By the Grace of G‑d
13th of Shevat, 5740
January 31, 1980
Brooklyn, N.Y.

President Jimmy Carter
The White House
Washington

Greeting and Blessing:

I appreciate very much your gracious and thoughtful felicitations, conveyed in your letter of January 28, 1980. Your warm sentiments are most encouraging to me and to the movement which I have been privileged to head these past thirty years.

Ever since our two-centuries-young Chabad-Lubavitch movement made its headquarters in this blessed country forty years ago, then under the leadership of my illustrious predecessor of saintly memory, it has found a most fertile soil for its dedicated services in the cause of religious, educational and cultural advancement in many states of the Union from coast to coast. And may I add that your personal commitment to the ideals of morality and justice, human rights, and the upgrading of education has greatly enhanced the conducive and stimulating climate for all positive forces working for a better human society, not only in this country but also abroad, wherever American influence and practical aid make their impact.

I heartily reciprocate your good wishes, and hope and pray that the Eternal continue to bestow His blessings on you and your family, and grant you health and vigor to meet the challenges and opportunities of your exalted office for the true benefit of all dwellers in this great country, as well as for the benefit of humanity at large, in the fullest measure both materially and spiritually.

I also take this opportunity of expressing to you my genuine gratification at your personal participation in the ceremony of lighting the Chanukah Candelabra in front of the White House. The symbol of light is universal for all people on earth, Jews and non-Jews. The intrinsic power of light, in that even a small light dispels a lot of darkness, is surely a source of inspiration to all men of good will with its eternal message of the eventual triumph of all that is good and bright in human life.

With esteem and blessing,