30 Tishrei, 5720 [1959]
I received your letter of the 17th of Tishrei in which you write about your background and activities. I was especially gratified to read about your activities to strengthen Yiddishkeit [Judaism] in your environment, in the field of kashrus [the kosher dietary laws], etc.
I was especially pleased to read you realize that there is a great deal more to do. For the realization that there is more to be done ought to bring forth additional forces to meet the challenge. All the more so, since every one of us is commanded to go from strength to strength in all matters of holiness, which should be on the ascendancy.
In this connection it is well to remember the saying of my father-in-law, of saintly memory, that at this time every Jew should consider himself in the position of a mountain climber climbing a steep mountain. In this situation he must continue to climb or slide back, for he cannot remain stationary... It is also a well-known law of physics that the rate of a falling object accelerates.
The lesson is obvious. I read with interest about the books you read and study. I was surprised to note the absence of the Tanya [the basic book of Chabad Chassidic philosophy] and other works on Chassidus, which you no doubt could study in the original, though part of this literature is available in English.
The study of Chassidus would not only be greatly inspiring to yourself, but would have a great influence on your work and inspiration on behalf of others. Young people not burdened by family responsibilities, and full of youthful energy, should make the fullest use of their opportunities. I trust that you have friends among Anash [members of the Chassidic community] with whom you can discuss a method of learning Chassidus and what sources you should study, though I imagine you should have a fairly good idea.
But nevertheless, many heads are better than one. As for your question with regard to my attitude towards the Holy Land etc., I trust you saw my reply to the question “What is a Jew?” which has been published both in Eretz Yisroel [the Land of Israel] and here in America. Your particular question with regard to emigration and settling in Eretz Yisroel does not indicate whether it refers to yourself or is in a general way.
But my answer would depend on the circumstances of each individual, for it is not possible to give blanket advice on such an important question. As for your question with regard to my attitude towards the Holy Land... I should like, however, to emphasize one general point. No matter how much is expected of a Jew in regard to Torah and Mitzvoth [commandments], wherever he may be, a great deal is expected of him if he is in Eretz Yisroel, of which the Torah says “It is the land on which the eyes of G-d are upon, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.”
So much so, that it is regarded as a Holy Land even among non Jews. Our Sages refer to it as “The Palace of the King.” A person wishing to enter the Royal Palace must be prepared to answer such questions as on what business he is there, and he must be properly prepared in every way. It is demonstrated by his conduct and actions that he realizes he is in a Royal Palace.
It is unnecessary to elaborate. May G-d grant that you will succeed in what is your true and inner purpose in life, namely to spread Yiddishkeit, and in an ever-growing way, and may you have good news to report always,
