Igrot Kodesh · Letter 6646 — Tzedakah

By the grace of Hashem*,

15 Teves* 5719,

Brooklyn,

To Madame Zlota (note 1: Z. Halthuiz, of Tel Aviv. See, on her subject, Letter no. 5305),

Blessings and greetings,

After a long interruption, I have received your letter of the 10th of Teves*, may this date (note 2: Which is a fast day) be transformed into joy and gladness, with the photographs of the seminary and the vocational school that were enclosed. May Hashem* grant that with joy and enthusiasm you strengthen this accomplishment of the highest importance — more than that, that you develop it and lead those around you to do the same, in ever-increasing proportion. It is surely unnecessary to explain to you the importance of such an achievement. And it is equally superfluous to describe at length the astonishment and the pain caused by the lukewarm (note 3: In the text, 'pareve*,' neutral) reception given by many Chassidim* to this institution, despite the numerous talks of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit will protect us, which we ourselves heard, whose text was transcribed, and which show the great importance that such schools hold.

May Hashem* grant that at least from now on, one meditate more deeply on the talks just cited, so that concrete action result therefrom, to the fullest extent possible. Indeed, there exist many possibilities and one need only want it. But, according to the well-known expression: 'You can, but you do not want to' (note 4: In Russian in the original text). At a propitious moment, I will mention all those you cite at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit will protect us. The merit of your work in the schools just cited will preserve you and yours, so that you announce to me good news of everything that has just been recalled. With my blessing,