Igrot Kodesh · Letter 4462 — Shidduchim

B"H

19 Sivan 5716

Brooklyn

Greetings and blessings,

I received your letter with pleasure. You inform me of the date set for the marriage of your daughter, at a good and fruitful time, in the holy city of Yerushalayim*. You and your wife are planning to travel to the wedding (see note 1).

It is surely unnecessary to remind you that when one travels to Eretz Yisrael* — the land toward which, says the holy Torah*, "the eyes of Hashem are always directed, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year," which even the non-Jews call the Holy Land — one must receive an "entry visa," not only here, from men, but especially from the King, whose palace Eretz Yisrael* is.

One obtains this visa by intensifying one's Jewish practice, one's study of Torah*, and one's observance of mitzvos* in the best manner. Obviously, this addition must be made as soon as possible, for who knows? Every day that passes is lost and cannot be recovered.

In fact, an addition to Torah* and mitzvos* is beneficial even if one does not travel, and one demands, indeed, that it be so, as it is said: "To whoever adds (see note 2), more is added (see note 3)." But in your case, this addition is particularly necessary (see note 4).

Furthermore, a brief reflection will surely enable you to identify areas of Jewish practice in which your wife can also, for her part, make an addition. She will also be able to influence those around her, in order to bring them closer to Yiddishkeit*. And Hashem will grant you success in all of this.

I reiterate my blessings that the marriage be at a good and fruitful time, that they build a Jewish home, an eternal edifice, based on Torah* and mitzvos*.

With my blessing of Mazal Tov*, Mazal Tov*,

P.S.: It would be good, before the journey, to have your tefillin* checked, as well as the mezuzos* of your home, to ensure they are kosher*, in accordance with halachah*.

Notes

(1) The parents do not reside in Eretz Yisrael* and will therefore undertake a journey in order to travel there.

(2) Efforts.

(3) Blessings.

(4) Because of this journey.