By the Grace of G‑d
20th of Iyar, 5713
Brooklyn 13, N.Y.
[May 5, 1953]

Sholom u’Brocho:

I was pleased to receive your letter. You need not excuse yourself for writing in English, and should not hesitate to continue to do so. The important thing is that your letters should contain good news.

I was gratified to note in your letter that you feel the need and urge to devote more time to learn Torah, and that to increase the amount of Tzedoko cannot make good the deficiency in the time of study. That this is true, we can see it from physical life. Each organ of the body must receive its nourish­ment, and although strength in one indirectly benefits also the rest, each and every one must receive its own blood and nourishment. Spiritually, the soul has its own 248 ‘organs’ and 365 ‘blood vessels,’ namely, the positive and negative precepts, respectively, which make up the spiritual stature of the Jew. And although a greater effort in one Mitzvah benefits the whole organism, each Mitzvah has its own function which cannot be substituted by another.

I trust this feeling of the need for more time for study, which springs from an inner desire for Torah, will be translated into practical deed, and without loss of time, and that you will go from strength to strength, as our Sages rule: ‘Maalin b’Kodesh.’

Your determination to give Tzedoko above Maaser, is certainly praiseworthy, and in addition to all else, it is a Segula for good business and avoidance of losses, so that not only would your anxiety about your surplus stock prove unfounded, but even bring a profit, in accordance with the words of our Sages ‘Aser bishvil shetisasher.’

I am looking forward to receiving good news about your coming addition to the family. It would be advisable to have all the Mezuzoth checked in the meantime.

May G‑d help you and your wife to raise your children to a life of Torah, Chuppah and Maasim Toivim, and that you continue to increase your share of Torah and Mitzvoth.

With blessing,

M. Schneerson