By the Grace of G-d
Erev Purim, 5729
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr. Fishel Brown
1667 Glenmont Rd.
Cleveland Hts., Ohio 44118
Greeting and Blessing:
Following your visit, when you were here with your wife and daughter, and the conversation we had at that time, I take this opportunity to send you my best wishes for a joyous and inspiring Purim, and that all the matters about which we talked should materialize in a satisfactory and speedy manner.
You will surely recall the point emphasized during our conversation that when one makes a firm resolution, with confidence and joy, this spirit has the power to do away with obstacles, especially as they largely are not as great and difficult as they may appear at first glance. Even what is considered as the main difficulty, namely the fact that the Jews are a small minority and it is therefore hard to live and act differently from the society in which we live - is not a valid one. For, living in a country like the U.S.A., where people enjoy freedom and democracy, and especially in view of the fact that the whole country was built up by individuals who were not afraid to act on their own initiative and had the courage to blaze new trails, etc. - it is not difficult to be independent in one’s convictions. But a Jew is even less likely to be discouraged by the environment, since it has always been the Jewish lot to be a minority, and yet preserve his identity. This is particularly emphasized in the Megillah (The Book of Esther), which we will be reading tonight and tomorrow. There we find the argument against Jewish independent existence in the words, "There is one people, spread and dispersed among the nations, and their laws are different." But actually it was the strengthening of the Jewish identity and independence, and of strengthening adherence to these "different laws" that averted the threat of Jewish annihilation, and brought about extraordinary triumph for the Jews, as the Megillah states, "And for the Jews there was light, joy, gladness and honor." Even their erstwhile enemies were overawed and anxious to show their respect and admiration for those "different" Jews.
The same has been true in all ages and in all countries. It is especially true here and now, where the Jew who lives according to his convictions and principles, based on the Ten Commandments and the whole Torah which are well known to all, enjoys the respect of his non-Jewish neighbors, who cannot help but admire such devotion and dedication, regardless of difficulty.
It is surely unnecessary to elaborate on the above to you, since you have had occasion to see G-d's kindnesses to you and your family.
Wishing you a joyous and inspiring Purim, and hoping to hear good news from you,
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
