Igrot Kodesh · Letter 3913 — Faith & Bitachon

B"H

1st day of Rosh Chodesh* Kislev 5716

Brooklyn

Blessings and greetings,

I am responding to your letter of 11/8 and to what was enclosed. You mention a person who told you that she does not think she is able to put a contribution into a tzedakah* box every day.

You must explain to her that it is not a matter of making a donation beyond her means. In fact, without changing the amount, her contribution will be what she ordinarily gives at one time, in the form of small daily sums. For the tzedakah* box, nothing changes whether this amount is given at once or in several successive installments. For the person concerned, however, the change is fundamental.

Indeed, one must become accustomed to giving tzedakah* every day. Just as a person must and wants to satisfy his daily needs, one must also, each day, do what Hashem wants and commands — in this case, giving tzedakah*. Better yet, it is in this manner that Hashem fulfills, each day, the prayers and requests of men. Now, one truly needs Him on a daily basis and not only from time to time.

You will surely find the appropriate words to explain all of this to her. The gift of tzedakah*, whatever its amount — which may be more or less significant — must be a daily practice, except, of course, when it is forbidden to handle money — that is, on Shabbos* and festivals.

I thank you for your involvement in this matter.

With my blessing,

For the Rebbe shlita*,

the secretary,