Igrot Kodesh · Letter 5696 — Prayer

B"H

1st day of Rosh Chodesh* Elul* 5717

Brooklyn

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem and devotes himself to communal needs, Rav A. Sh. (note: Rav A. Shklovski of Petach Tikva, see letter no. 5425),

Greetings and blessings,

I duly received your letter, in which you briefly describe the situation of the Chabad* synagogue (note: of Petach Tikva), the difficulties in gathering a minyan*, and the need to reveal the mercy of Hashem. It is clear that this mercy is granted, as we say every day in prayer: "In Your great mercy, have compassion upon us." It is therefore sufficient to strengthen the channel and the receptacles enabling one to integrate it in a concrete manner here below. Now, is there a better receptacle than a synagogue in which Torah* is studied, which unites Torah* and prayer? Everything therefore depends on the leaders of the synagogue and the house of study. For their part, they must act somewhat. Thereupon, everything will fall into order.

The beginning of the Midrash* on Shir HaShirim* and Koheles* describes how a large stone was brought into the Temple* — a stone that a single man could not carry. It was simply necessary to ask that man to lend his assistance by placing his finger under the stone. Then, Hashem dispatched His angels, who accomplish His word, to do the rest. Now, so it is in every place, at every time, even if this takes another form. Indeed, you know that an angel does not necessarily have two white wings. It can simply be an emissary, and Hashem has many emissaries — especially when it concerns a positive accomplishment upon which the merit of the many depends. You have the merit of being one of the primary leaders of the synagogue and the house of study. Not only will you yourself act in this direction, but moreover, you will ensure that all those who have the means to do so follow your example. May Hashem grant you success.

In anticipation of good news of all this, and with my blessing to be inscribed and sealed for a good year,