By the Grace of G‑d
15th of Tammuz, 5720 [July 10, 1960]
Brooklyn, N. Y.

Mr. Chaim Jacob [Jacques] Lipchitz
168 Warburton Ave.
Hastings-on-Hudson, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing;

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of June 26th. Needless to say, no apology is called for in a case of a difference of opinion, as our Torah, which is called Toras Chaim, has emphasized that the minds of men differ as their faces differ. I hasten to add, however, that I sincerely hope that eventually you will also come to agree with the opinions which I have cited, and which strongly oppose the idea of a Garden of Sculptures in Jerusalem; an opposition which stems not only from the religious point of view, but also from the historical, ethical, etc.

As you surely know, this year is the 200th anniversary of the Baal Shem Tov’s completion of his life's work. In this connection we recently published the second volume of the Memoirs of my father-in-law of saintly memory, largely dealing with the early history of the Chassidic movement and with the Baal Shem Tov’s forerunners and contemporaries. I requested the office to send you a copy, as I feel certain it will interest you.

Hoping to hear good news from you, with emphasis on good health and a happy frame of mind, two points which the Baal Shem Tov placed among the cornerstones of his system, and with all good wishes,

With blessing,

M. Schneerson