Igrot Kodesh · Letter 977 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem,
11 Nissan 5711,
Brooklyn,

Greetings and blessings[1],

I duly received your letters, one of 24 Adar Sheni and the second which was not dated. Finding myself near the tziyun* of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, I mentioned your name, as you asked me, for the satisfaction of all your needs. Kindly send me the name of his mother[2].

Sometimes my reply may take time. That only means it is delayed. On the other hand, I do what you ask of me as quickly as possible. The reply, nevertheless, is conditioned by my many occupations, which take up my time.

You ask me to advise you a segulah*[3]. I am not in the habit of having recourse to such practices. Nevertheless, you may have your mezuzos* checked, as one must do in every Jewish home. You will also ask the one whom your letter concerns to recite Tehillim*.

You write me that we have already suffered enough, that it is high time the needs of each one be fully satisfied, that all be in good health — and you are entirely right. I wish that you may be able to give me good news in this matter.

But I would like to underscore here the following point, although I am not certain it concerns your situation entirely.

Generally, the certitude of a person bears, in many cases, on what surpasses and transcends him. This is, in particular, true for emunah* in Hashem and the bitachon* one places in the Creator of the world, in its totality and, more specifically, of the small world that is man.

Our generation has been confronted with terrible trials[4]. Many people have been affected by them and have detached themselves from materiality. I am also alluding to believers. For some of them, emunah* has no incidence on their concrete existence. Those think of Hashem, say the Shema Yisroel* and the Modeh Ani*. Often they are even aware of the meaning of the words they pronounce. Then the day passes and one says to oneself that one is alone. Each draws the conclusions he wishes, according to his nature and his character.

In order that men may again live their emunah*, the most realistic solution consists of revealing to them their family tradition, that of their ancestors, which is also found, in a latent state, in their mind. Then they will understand that man is not alone, even more, that he is master of his own destiny, up to a certain point, although the essential depends on Hashem. The burden therefore does not rest on their shoulders alone. They do not have to consider themselves responsible for everything at once, even more, that they must be discouraged in certain areas or certain situations.

When people unite themselves in emunah* and bitachon* in Hashem, which without doubt are deeply implanted within them, they know serenity, accommodate themselves advantageously to the fact that "you live against your will," and acquit themselves fully of the mission entrusted to each one in the course of his existence.

Obviously, every thing, in particular what touches the deep aspect of the neshama*, must benefit from the help of the Almighty. In this domain, the merit of the ancestors comes to one's aid. Children who had a family, parents deeply imbued with emunah*, will be able to obtain that it be the same for them.

I hope you will give me good news, and I conclude by wishing you, and all yours, a kosher and joyous festival.

I extend to you my blessing that you may soon announce good news to me.

I would like to have details about your family.

Notes
[1] This letter is addressed to a woman.
[2] That of a man, to whom the Rebbe will further ask to say Tehillim.
[3] Favoring a blessing one wishes to obtain.
[4] Those of the Second World War.