Igrot Kodesh · Letter 5927 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem*,

19 Kislev* 5718,

Brooklyn,

Shalom* u'vracha*,

I have received your letter of 2 Kislev*, in which you describe the state of the Torah* studies in your beis midrash*. You tell me that you observe the kindnesses of Hashem* and that another person could surely have done the same.

In general, the action of man is entirely based upon the kindnesses of Hashem*. However, Hashem* says that when one acts on one's own initiative, He grants success, in His great mercy. As a result, it is considered as though the person himself has acted.

You tell me that another person might have done better. The only conclusion that can be drawn from such a thought is the following: if another person could have done better, the same must be true of you as well, for you too are a descendant of Avraham*, Yitzchak*, and Yaakov*. One must therefore apply oneself to action, and ultimately, you will also know success.

You refer to the Torah* studies and tell me that you have not succeeded in establishing them on a fixed basis. I hope that you are not discouraged, which would be unthinkable, and that in the future you will continue to make efforts in this direction. Indeed, who knows when the propitious time will come, above and below? It may reveal itself soon, and in any case, it is clear that the absence of effort will produce no result and will not establish any fixed study session. The days of Kislev*, the month of miracles and deliverance, are indeed propitious for all of this.

I am certain that you know the significance of 19 Kislev*. I nevertheless enclose a pamphlet on this subject, which was written in its time by my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit protects us. It describes the festival of the liberation and the lesson that should be drawn from it. You will undoubtedly make use of it in the fitting manner.

With my blessing to convey good news, with joy and enthusiasm,