Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8763 — Tzedakah

By the grace of Hashem,

16 Shevat* 5724,

Brooklyn,

To Mrs. Bender (note 1: Of New Haven),

I bless you and greet you,

I respond to your letter of 28/1, with what was enclosed therein. At a propitious moment, your name will be mentioned near the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit will protect us, in conformity with what you write to me. And, may Hashem grant you the success of giving me good news, on this subject.

Moreover, we have just experienced the day of the 15th of Shevat*, which is called the new year of the trees (note 2: See the end of the two preceding letters). Now, there exists a profound similarity between man and the tree. By meditating on the new year of the tree, one must therefore grow (note 3: The Rebbe* underlines the word: "grow"), elevate oneself in Jewish practice, produce good fruits, that is to say, according to the interpretation of our Sages (note 4: According to tractate Sotah* 46a), perform good deeds, put the Mitzvos* into practice, then develop and broaden all of this.

May the merit of the Tzedakah*, for which I enclose a receipt, protect you, in all of this. With my blessing to give me good news,