By the Grace of G-d
14th of Cheshvan, 5736
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr. . . .
Amstelveen, Holland
Greeting and Blessing:
I am in receipt of your letter of the 2nd of Cheshvan, and previous correspondence as well as telegram.
Your question is surprising, inasmuch as you surely know that one of the basics of our Torah - called Toras Emes because it tells the truth - is that everything is by Hashgocho Protis. Hence, you certainly have your Shlichus in this world, that is to say also that you have been given the ability and capacity to carry it out. For it is logical, that G-d would not give one a task which was impossible to carry out. Furthermore, it is possible and necessary to carry out one’s Shlichus with joy, as it is written, "Serve G-d with joy," and also for this the necessary capacity has been given.
One of the ways to stimulate such joy is to reflect, first of all, that G-d has chosen the Jewish people, and you in particular, to carry out a Shlichus for Him. Imagine if a human king would come from his city and residence to visit your home and entrust you with a special task, how welcome this would be; how much more so in regard to the King of Kings. Our Sages state that, "It is a pleasure, so to speak, for G-d that He has given a commandment and His Will has been done."
Surely it is most gratifying to be able to please G-d, especially also that G-d promises a generous reward both in this world and in the World to Come.
Carrying the illustration a little further, one should consider that in the case of a human king, one can never be certain that the task that he gives is all for the good, or that it can be carried out fully, or that he can fully keep his promise of reward. All this, of course, does not apply in the case of a Mitzvo.
It is also clear that when a person goes about his tasks with joy and confidence, he is likely to have greater Hatzlocho, and also more likely to overcome any discouragement or difficulty that might arise.
If you reflect on the above in some depth, you will surely find a great deal of strength and encouragement, and you will see how easy it is to carry it out without any doubts in this regard.
Your Pidyon will be read at the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory.
Hoping to hear good news from you in all above,
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
