By the Grace of G-d
3rd of Nissan, 5731
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. ...
Brookline, Mass. 02146
...P.S. Thank you very much for your good wishes on my birthday. There is no need to feel embarrassed about reminding an older person his birthday, especially in light of the American custom which came to my attention in recent years, to the effect that people speak in terms of so many years young, rather than so many years old. Indeed, in a very real sense, a person becomes younger and more vigorous with age, in light of the saying of our Sages that “all beginnings are difficult.” Therefore, as a person gains in experiences and knowledge from year to year, the task which he has to accomplish becomes easier to cope with and fulfill. I trust that you too will see in the same light your task and progress in the matter of spreading the Torah and fountains of Chasidus and find the going easier and hence have a surplus of energy for doing even more.
