Igrot Kodesh · Letter 2080 — Faith & Bitachon

B'ezras Hashem*,

13 Nissan 5713,

Brooklyn,

Greetings and blessings,

I duly received your letters of 5 Shevat, 25 Adar, Rosh Chodesh, and 6 Nissan. I was satisfied to note that you observe, with your eyes of flesh, Hashgachah Pratis*.[1] May Hashem* therefore grant you success. He will surely grant it to you and protect you, in every place where you find yourself, so that you may illuminate it through "the candle (which) is a mitzvah* and the Torah* (which) is light."

May Hashem* grant that you influence those around you in this direction. Other Jews are no doubt in your vicinity, and you will find the best opportunity to speak to them of all this. This will be the channel and the receptacles through which you will obtain blessing and success also in your personal concerns.

I am enclosing a copy of the message that I sent on the occasion of Pesach*.[2] You will surely be able to make use of it among those around you.

With my blessing for a kosher* and joyous Pesach* festival, and looking forward to your good news,

You ask me about the foods of Pesach*.[3] It seems to me, from the date of receipt of your letter and that of the sending of this correspondence, that, when it reaches you, it will be too late.[4]

You also pose to me a question about tefillin*.[5] You may indeed place together those of Rashi* and those of Rabbeinu Tam. Nonetheless, it is preferable, in addition to the bag in which they are kept, to also cover them a second time.

You also ask me whether you have the right to bear arms on Shabbos*. If there is an attack, or if you are ordered to do so, the Rabbanim* permitted such a practice long ago, as is the case for any action made necessary by danger, in time of war.

You should obtain the Machaneh Yisrael of the Chofetz Chaim*, which deals with the various questions related to military service.

May Hashem* protect you, wherever you may be, and grant that you return home in good health, when the time comes.

Notes

[1] The recipient of this letter is a soldier serving in a combat unit.

[2] This refers to letter no. 2067.

[3] The recipient is presumably asking about what he is permitted to eat during this festival, while at the front.

[4] This question will no longer be relevant.

[5] Presumably about how to store them, on account of the war.