Uplift them by seeing that people care for them from afar; it will emphasize the truth of Jewish unity; unity must be felt tangibly
By the grace of G-d
[Kislev], 5734
Miss...
Brooklyn N.Y.
Blessing and Greeting:
I was pleased to receive your letter.
As I already mentioned in my previous letter, I was pleased to see you, in passing, looking well and may G-d grant that you should feel even better henceforth. Especially as we are approaching the bright days of Chanukah, with their message of increasing light of Torah and mitzvos and good deeds in a steadily growing measure.
You write that you would like to do something useful and ask for a suggestion. I would therefore suggest to you the following:
As you surely know, recent events in the Holy Land resulted unfortunately in a considerable number of casualties of wounded and injured young people. You could do something in a personal way that would bring these special young people joy and a great spiritual uplift, seeing that there are persons in distant lands who take a personal interest in them. I do not mean financial help, but something which is more important than that, namely raising spirits and morale. And the way you can do it is by starting a knitting and/or sewing project, to make such things as sweaters and the like, to send to them as personal gifts. Perhaps you could even organize a knitting and sewing circle among your friends for this purpose.
In addition to the above sentiments, it would provide a further opportunity to express in the message that would accompany such gifts, that they are not merely an expression of solidarity with them but that it expresses also the great principle of Jewish unity, based on the fact that Jews, however scattered they may be and however diversified in education and background, etc., are by their very nature one people. And what truly unifies all Jews is the fact that they received one Torah from the One G-d, a Torah and way of life that transcends all limitations of time and place. This unity and uniqueness of our people is always present, regardless of whether one is aware of it or not. But any intelligent, sensitive and honest person must feel it more strongly. However, it is not enough just to feel it, for it must be expressed in a tangible way through personal commitment to the Torah and mitzvos in the daily life.
At this time before Chanukah, I send you my good wishes for a bright and inspiring Chanukah and may it also bring a growing measure of brightness in your life in every respect.
With blessing,
