The importance of practicing that which you study, in a spirit of joy in the fullest measure, including influencing other Jews
By the Grace of G-d
25th of Tishrei, 5736
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Miss Peninah Miriam Greene
c/o Silverstein
6336 N. Rockwell
Chicago, Ill. 60659
Blessing and Greeting:
I was pleased to receive your letter of September 15th, in which you write about your future studies.
Judging by the spirit of your letter, it is surely unnecessary to remind you of the saying of our Sages that the ultimate purpose of study is to put it into practice, namely the fulfillment of the Mitzvoth and the general conduct of the daily life in accordance with the Torah. And inasmuch as of the Torah and Mitzvoth it is said that they are "our life and the length of our days," it is clear that where life is concerned, there must must not be any interruption, G-d forbid. Knowing of your background, there is surely no need to elaborate on this. And since all the solemn and festive days of Tishrei, inaugurating the new year, conclude on the happy note of the "Season of Our Rejoicing," may you do all the above in a spirit of joy and gladness of heart, as well as in the fullest measure since this year is a leap year and has the maximum number of days that a Jewish calendar year can have, as explained elsewhere.
Included in the above is, of course, the Mitzvo of V’Ohavto L’Reacho Komocho, the great rule of our Torah, which makes it the duty as well as privilege of every Jew to bring other Jews closer to G-d and His Torah and Mitzvoth. I hope you will use your good influence in this direction, both by word of mouth and, above all, by showing a living example - the most effective form of influence.
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
