Igrot Kodesh · Letter 626 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

19 Sivan 5710,

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem,

Mr. Moshe Prager,

I greet you and bless you.

My friend, Dr. Yaakov Gripel,[1] communicated to me the content of the first letter you addressed to him.

Of course, the news you announce is good. You see positive results in the action you are conducting toward those who, in an instant, can fulfill the mission entrusted to them here below and intervene so that it will be the same for others.

You have good hope of seeing concretely, in the future, the fruit of your intervention. But you no doubt remember the terms of our discussion when you were here. I emphasized that the essential remains concrete action. It is therefore necessary to make an accounting of what has actually been accomplished.

On this matter — and concerning, in particular, the situation of Yiddishkeit* and education in the immigrant camps[2] — you say nothing.

Referring to your words during our discussion, I reiterate my request. Despite your many occupations, can you tell me what is happening in this area? You will describe the situation as it really is, without even letting your love for other Jews intervene. For, in order to make decisions concerning these camps, it is important for me to have the most precise information possible.

I have heard that the Chiddushei HaRim[3] once said to his Chassidim: "If I were not bringing you anything in the area of Yiddishkeit, my situation would be truly pitiful, as it is said: because of them, the situation of Moshe was bad."

The same is true for every man and woman capable of exerting his or her influence, directly or indirectly, on another person, in order to strengthen them in their Yiddishkeit or to lead them to act to obtain such a strengthening.

One must know that success in this matter is true happiness. This is the mission entrusted to one who can guide others, and he must therefore fulfill it fully. And, in the words of my father-in-law, the Rebbe: "It is certain that an effort never remains without effect."

With my blessing and in the hope of receiving good news,

Rav Menachem Schneerson