Igrot Kodesh · Letter 7082 — Shidduchim

By the grace of Hashem,

21 Marcheshvan* 5720,

Brooklyn,

I greet you and bless you,

I am responding to your letter of 14 Marcheshvan*, in which you briefly describe what you have experienced. You conclude by describing the difficulties you encounter now in earning your livelihood and also in finding a match (note 1: This refers to a remarriage). According to what you write, various proposals have been made to you to serve as a shochet* or ritual supervisor. Given that these positions are currently in great demand in the United States, especially for one who is also a mohel* (note 2: One who performs circumcision) and a Torah* reader, it is indeed advisable to accept one of these proposals in the United States. Of course, one must make no concession on what is stated in the Shulchan Aruch*, but according to the information that reaches me, this can be obtained if one shows the necessary firmness. Furthermore, as you know, when one seeks a match in another country, one can observe that earning a livelihood in America is an important factor.

I seize this opportunity, since everything is an effect of Divine Providence, including the fact that you address yourself to me, to emphasize to you the importance of setting a fixed time for the study of the profound teaching of the Torah*, which, in our era, has been revealed through Chassidus*, as various texts explain, in particular the Kuntres Etz HaChaim* of the Rebbe Rashab*, especially in this generation of the heel of Moshiach*, as can be established from all the signs enumerated in tractate Sotah*. There is indeed an obligation here for all who have been students of a Yeshivah*, including one other than Tomchei Temimim*. It is a personal duty for each person, in order to add as much light as possible. Indeed, one witnesses the realization of the assertion according to which: "there is no day whose curse is not greater..." (note 3: Than that of the preceding day) and the darkness grows ever more pervasive, to the point of presenting darkness as light and bitterness as sweetness. It is therefore necessary to multiply the light and the luminary of the Torah*, which is its profound dimension. Nothing withstands the will, all the more so since you have many acquaintances and friends, including among the students of the Yeshivah* Tomchei Temimim*, whom you encountered on the path of your travels. With my blessing to give good tidings of all this,

P.S.: You specify in your letter that some of your children (note 4: From the first marriage) are in Chicago. Now, certain of the Rabbanim* of that city are Chabad* Chassidim*. It would be good for you to address yourself to them if you think your children have a need in the domain of Yiddishkeit*. They will surely be able to intervene in this matter.