Igrot Kodesh · Letter 3603 — Faith & Bitachon

B"H

3 Tammuz* 5715

Brooklyn, New York

To the Association of Chabad* Women and Girls,

chapter of ... (this letter was presumably sent to several chapters of Chabad Women and Girls),

may Hashem grant you long life,

Blessings and greetings,

The 12th and 13th of Tammuz*, which are approaching — the days of the liberation of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit protects us — recall and also commemorate the victory of self-sacrifice for Torah* and mitzvos* over the forces that opposed them.

I am certain that the remembrance of all this strengthens, in every Jew — man or woman — the bond with Torah* and mitzvos*, which all will practice on a daily basis. It also reinforces the conviction that the Creator, Who directs the world at every moment, will grant His blessing so that one may be happy in one's life, that one not be discouraged by the difficulties one must sometimes face, and that these diminish progressively until they disappear completely.

I am sure that you will find the appropriate time — during the 12th and 13th of Tammuz* or close to those dates — to gather together, so that each one encourages the other in all that has been said, in order to draw from it the strength and enthusiasm needed for the weeks and months ahead.

Moreover, we are entering the period during which children devote less time to their studies, in accordance with common practice. One then rests for a few weeks, or at least slows one's pace of work. It is in this way that one strengthens one's body.

Obviously, in such a case, it is fitting to establish an appropriate program that also strengthens the soul.

Indeed, Jews are "a unique people on the earth." Their body and soul therefore form a single entity. When are they truly happy? When their soul directs their body, which carries out its instructions. According to the well-known saying of the Alter Rebbe* (see, in particular, letter no. 2079): "A Jew neither wants to nor can separate himself from the Divine."

By following this path, one is indeed healthy, even physically. One is serene and happy, possessing the deep conviction that Hashem protects each one of us, within the entire Jewish people, and leads us toward material and spiritual good.

I hope that during this gathering you will also exchange your views on how to organize the activities of your chapter for the months ahead, and how to best use the opportunities that present themselves during the summer, as well as the free time available then (see the two following letters).

With my blessing that each of you have a healthy and joyful summer, together with the members of your family, and for giving good news of all of this,