Igrot Kodesh · Letter 3571 — Health

B"H

20 Sivan 5715

Brooklyn

To the Association of Chabad* Women and Girls,

Toronto chapter,

may Hashem grant you long life,

Blessings and greetings,

I have received, through the great Rav*, the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem and devotes himself to communal needs, who multiplies positive accomplishments for Hashem and for His Torah*, Rav* Dov Yehudah Shochat*, a check of twelve hundred dollars on behalf of young orphans. This amount will be used in the appropriate manner and at the appropriate time. Enclosed please find a receipt from Machane* Yisrael*, the organization that devotes itself to such activities.

The very fact that you collected this sum for these orphans, this gift from your pure hearts, demonstrates that it is unnecessary to remind you how important it is to help orphans — in general, and especially those who are in the tent of Torah* study, in particular — who receive an education based on sacred values, follow the path of Torah* and mitzvos*, and, with the help of Hashem, will know how to build their lives on this foundation.

I would simply like to recall here a teaching of the Alter Rebbe*, author of the Tanya* and the Shulchan Aruch*, emphasizing the importance of tzedakah*. He explains that the amount one devotes to it brings elevation to everything else one possesses, so that the totality of all of it becomes a sanctuary for Hashem.

One can deduce from this that where Hashem is found — He Who is the Essence of good — goodness and beneficence reign. In other words, all the possessions one has will be used, in good health, for that which brings joy.

How much more is this the case when it involves helping young orphans, enabling them to sustain themselves. Subsequently, each of them will build a Jewish home, which will be an everlasting edifice. Consequently, all those who bring them assistance at the present time also receive a share of this everlasting edifice, and "their integrity is established for eternity."

The Holy One, blessed be He, acts "measure for measure," and He will grant each one of those who participate in this accomplishment blessing and success in all their personal needs. Thus, in good health and with joyful hearts, you will be able to strengthen and broaden your activity in everything that concerns Torah* and mitzvos*, which are eternal and immutable, as is the reward they enable one to obtain.

With my blessing to each of you, together with all the members of your families,

M. Schneerson