Igrot Kodesh · Letter 4503 — Faith & Bitachon

B"H

3 Tammuz 5716

Brooklyn

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem,

Rav Chaim Yona (see note 1),

Greetings and blessings,

I am responding to your letter from this Tuesday, when, twice, the word "good" was said at the time of Creation. You begin by telling me that you do not know what to write.

In fact, the Gemara*, at the end of tractate Kiddushin*, says that everyone was created to serve his Creator. Such is the purpose of the creation of man, who must serve Hashem. For this exist the Torah* in general and the Shulchan Aruch* in particular. Furthermore, one of the fundamental principles of Chassidus* is the love of one's fellow, the influence one can exert on all those one encounters, so that they intensify their commitment to Torah* and mitzvos*.

Consequently, however good a situation may be, it can always be improved. There is, in this regard, a broad field (see note 2) that needs to be worked. And this work must be daily. Therefore, there are many things that can be written. And no doubt you also have good news to report.

Every Jew is obligated in this — not only a shochet*, a teacher, but truly everyone, regardless of the means by which one ensures one's material livelihood. One must also devote oneself to spiritual sustenance, as just defined.

In accordance with your request, I will mention your father (see note 3) for a speedy and complete recovery, if you write me his Jewish name and that of his mother. I will also mention you, so that your health be satisfactory, at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit protects us.

May Hashem grant you success in bringing good news of everything that has been said and also of the members of your family.

With my blessing,

Notes

(1) Rav H. Y. Dun, of New Haven.

(2) A field of action.

(3) At the resting place of the Previous Rebbe*.