Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8931 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,

4 Shevat* 5725,

Brooklyn, New York,

To all the participants at the annual dinner for the benefit

of the educational institution Oholei Torah*,

may Hashem grant you long life,

I greet you and bless you,

This year, your dinner takes place on the eve of the fifteenth of Shevat*, the New Year of the Trees, which underscores the specific link that exists between the event and this day. As is known, indeed, the Torah* says that "man is like the tree of the field." It thus delivers to us an important teaching, particularly in the domain of education (note 1: See Likkutei Sichos*, vol. 6, p. 311.). When the tree is young, all the more so when it is still only a seed, every positive treatment, however small and insignificant it may seem, takes, ultimately, a much more important form. But, its results manifest fully only in the mature tree, through the fruits it bears.

The same is true also for the influence exerted on a child. An action may, when it is carried out, appear totally negligible, to the point of wondering whether it is justified to devote efforts and energy to it. Nevertheless, this "small" action can subsequently take astonishing dimensions, receive a lasting influence on daily behavior, based on the Torah* and the Mitzvos*. Our Sages* say (note 2: In Tractate* Sotah* 46a.) that the true fruits are the Mitzvos*. In the domain of education, every effort is therefore justified. Indeed, it is a matter of the future of the student, of his well-being for the entire rest of his life.

The educational institution Oholei Torah* operates in the perspective that has just been defined and uses it for the benefit of its students. It therefore deserves that the members of the community and its friends make a special effort, in order to provide it with the support it needs to sustain itself and develop, both quantitatively and qualitatively. One must hope that all those who cherish the Torah* and the Mitzvos* will mobilize with enthusiasm to respond to the call for help of the institution Oholei Torah* and will grant their support with a generous hand. I address my greetings and my blessing to the dear guests and to all the participants. With my respects and my blessing of success,