Birthday customs; remedying the destruction through performing and spreading Mitzvos
By the Grace of G-d
24th of Tammuz, 5739
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mrs. Zivia Grauman
Apt. D "Sausalito"
Raleigh St.
Yeoville 2198
Johannesburg, So. Africa
Blessing and Greeting:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 18th of Tammuz, in which you mention also the birthday of your daughter Aurit. No doubt you know about the customs that are observed in our circles in connection with a birthday, including birthdays of young children who are yet too young to observe them themselves, and the parents do it for them.
As requested, I will remember you and yours in prayer, and may G-d grant that you should have good news to report.
Since your letter was written, and is acknowledged, during this period of the Three Weeks - may they soon be transformed into days of gladness and festivity, I trust you know the significance of this period for every Jew in terms of helping to remove the causes which brought about the sad events commemorated at this time. What brought about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Beis HaMikdash and the present Golus, was the neglect of the Torah and Mitzvoth, and the way to lessen and remove this cause is through strengthening the observance of the Torah and Mitzvoth in the everyday life, including the spreading of it in one’s surroundings, which is the duty and privilege of every Jew at all times, in accordance with the great principle of our Torah V’Ohavto L'Reacho Komocho.
In this way everyone has a share in bringing closer the true Geulo of our people through our Righteous Moshiach.
Wishing you Hatzlocho in all above, and
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
