Igrot Kodesh · Letter 6684 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem*,

16 Shevat* 5719,

Brooklyn,

Blessings and greetings,

I am responding to your letter. At a propitious moment, I will mention your name and that of your children at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit will protect us, in accordance with what you write to me, and above all, that you educate your children to the Torah*, the wedding canopy, and good deeds. You ask me about the Bar Mitzvah* of your son (note 1: The woman who is the addressee of this letter is a widow), who will turn thirteen in Tammuz*, for long days and good years. The child has lost his father. According to our custom, no distinction is made in such a case (note 2: See, on this subject, Letter no. 2816), and one begins to wear the Tefillin* two months before the day of the Bar Mitzvah* (note 3: As is the case for all other children, whereas according to other customs, this is done one year before the Bar Mitzvah* when the child is an orphan), the Bar Mitzvah* being celebrated on the date of his birthday.

You surely observe the positive custom of Jewish women which consists of giving Tzedakah* each time one lights the candles, on the eve of Shabbos* and the festivals. It would also be good to have the Mezuzos* of your apartment checked, in order to ensure that they are all kosher, in accordance with the Halachah*. You will accustom your son to recite every day, after the morning prayer, the Psalm corresponding to the number of his years, that is, Psalm 14 from the day of his Bar Mitzvah*, Psalm 15 the following year, and so on. With my blessing to convey good news,

For the Rebbe Shlita*,

the secretary,