Igrot Kodesh · Letter 2121 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

12 Sivan 5713,

Brooklyn, New York,

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem, devotes himself to

communal needs, has virtuous conduct, and

multiplies positive accomplishments,

Rav Chaim Zalman[1], called "Chazak"[2],

I greet you and bless you,

I was pleased to learn that the surgical procedure you underwent, baruch Hashem*, went well. May Hashem grant you a speedy refuah* and may He strengthen your health, so that you may redouble your ardor in your communal action, on behalf of the institutions of my father-in-law the Rebbe, may his merit shield us, beyond what you have been able to accomplish until now.

Our Sages define the content of this week's parshah*, Beha'alosecha, "when you raise up the lights." They emphasize that it is sufficient to kindle the menorah* in the Beis HaMikdash*, for thereupon "the flame rises of itself."

The Mikdash* that each Jew possesses in his heart is intact, including at the present hour. But it is sometimes necessary to kindle its inner flame. Thereupon it reveals itself. Indeed, one can very often observe that a few words of encouragement addressed to someone suffice to place him on the straight path, so that thereafter, on his own initiative, he adopts the conduct that is fitting.

In a Jew, the spiritual and material dimensions are deeply interwoven. I hope and wish that it will concretely be so for you. Thanks to Hashem's help, the doctors achieved that this operation was a success. This will therefore be the beginning of an improvement in your state of health, which will be strengthened more and more, so that you may pursue your communal activities in good health and in expansiveness, physical and moral.

With my brachah* that you should be strong[3], wishing you all good materially and spiritually, and awaiting your good news,

Notes

[1] Rav Ch. Z. Kremer.

[2] Literally, "the strong one." This word is composed of the initials of Chaim Zalman Kremer.

[3] See note 2.