Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, 5724 [July 10, 1964] A letter written 60 years ago.
As we are now commemorating the sad events which led to the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and the beginning of the present Exile, it should be remembered that the purpose of this commemoration is not just to inflict a sad period upon ourselves, but rather that we should be reminded and inspired to do all we can to lessen, and eventually remove altogether, the cause which brought about the sad events which we are now commemorating.
For, as we declare in our prayers, "Because of our sins we have been exiled from our land." It was the neglect of the Torah and Mitzvos, in the daily life and practice, which resulted in the Destruction and Exile. Therefore, efforts to strengthen and spread the observance of the Torah and Mitzvos in the daily life will hasten the complete Redemption through our righteous Moshiach and as promised: These sad days will be transformed into days of joy.
