By the Grace of G‑d
25th of Av, 5740 [August 7, 1980]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

I am in receipt of your letter of July 30th, in which you write about your youngest son.

Considering the seriousness of the situation, I am confident that you will not rest content with what has been done in this matter until now, and will intensify your efforts, both by your husband and yourself, as well as through enlisting the aid of friends, to do everything possible to prevent the tragedy. For, when it comes to a Jewish heart, one never knows what and how will come the moment of truth and proper response.

If you will let me know the Jewish names of all the members of your family for whom you request a blessing, together with their mother's Jewish name, as is customary, I will remember each and all of you in prayer.

It is my duty to call your attention to the following, which I trust you will accept in the spirit it is offered:

All the members of a Jewish family constitute one organism, and when one part of it needs special treatment, it can be done in one of two ways: either directly, if possible, or indirectly, through strengthening the other parts of the body, particularly those that govern the functions of the entire organism. Applying this illustration to the present case, it is well to bear in mind that the head of the family is called Baal Habayis, and the wife is called Akeres Habayis, corresponding to the heart of the family. Thus, strengthening the commitment to the Torah and Mitzvoth on the part of the parents has a beneficial effect upon all the members of the family in the same direction. Of course, it may sometimes entail certain difficulties by having to make some changes, perhaps even radical changes, in regard to habits and lifestyle, etc., but on the other hand, considering the far-reaching benefits, and especially the fact that parents surely would not consider anything too difficult if it can be beneficial to their children, of what significance can any difficulty be, especially as in most cases these are often exaggerated. In any case, a Jew is always required and expected to live up to G‑d's Will; how much more so when a special Divine blessing is needed.

At the same time, there is the assurance that however the everyday life and conduct was in the past, a Jew can always start a new life through Teshuvo (which literally means "return" to one's essence).

As we are about to enter the month of Elul, you surely know of the Jewish custom that from the beginning of the month of Elul, Jews wish one another a happy new year. I will, therefore, conclude with prayerful wishes to you and all your family for a truly Happy New Year, and may G‑d grant that even before Rosh Hashono you should have good news to report to this effect.

With blessing,