By the Grace of G-d
6th of Kislev, 5730
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr, G. Gee
3, Denewood Rd.
London N. 6, England
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father, olov hasholom. I extend to you and to all the bereaved family my heartfelt sympathy and the traditional expression of condolence:
May G-d comfort you in the midst of the mourners for Zion and Jerusalem, and may you not know of any more sorrow in the future.
One way of finding true comfort in such a case is by helping to fill the void which was left by the departed, to the extent that it is possible. To be sure, there can be no full replacement, since every person is a world in himself. However, when children add to their usual good deeds a measure of special effort also in behalf of the departed parent, the good and the eternal which the deceased practiced in his lifetime is thus continued, and the void is filled to some extent at least.
The question arises, If the children’s daily life and conduct is as it should be, how can they do more in order to make up for a second person, since the utmost is in any case expected of them in fulfillment of their own obligations?
The answer is to be found in the commentary of the Baal Shem Tov on the words, "For you will be unto Me a desirable earth" (Mal. 3:12). As the Baal Shem Tov explains, every Jew is likened to the earth, in which the greatest resources and treasures are hidden. It is only necessary to discover them and bring them to the surface, so that they can be put to good use; similarly every Jew has hidden resources and capacities, which need to be brought to the surface and activated.
Discovery of such hidden treasures is made in various ways, among them also through some upheaval or shock; in human life - through a shattering experience such as a bereavement ר"ל or - on the happy side - through an extraordinary happy and joyous event. At such a time the individual discovers in himself hidden powers stemming from his innermost self, his very essence; powers of which he may not even have been aware.
Recalling our meeting and conversation some time back, I am confident that, in your case, this shocking experience will open up in you wellsprings of new powers to stimulate your efforts in behalf of Torah-true Yiddishkeit in all its aspects, particularly in the field of Chinuch, where every positive accomplishment has the effect of a chain reaction, and the Zechus Horabim is a constant source of help from On High.
I hope and pray, however, that henceforth the stimuli in your life will be all on the good and happy side, and that only goodness and benevolence will be with you and yours always.
With esteem and blessing,
