B. H. 21 Adar II, 5746
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Greeting and Blessing:
I duly received your letter of 13 Adar II, and, as requested, I will again remember you in prayer for the fulfilment of your heart’s desires for good.
I believe I already reminded you that the everyday life and conduct in accordance with HaShem’s Will—though a “must” for its own sake—is also the way for a Jew to receive G-d’s blessings in all needs. Therefore, every additional effort in matters of Yiddishkeit, Torah and Mitzvos, widens these channels. Such an extra effort is particularly indicated when a special Divine blessing is needed to know what to do in special situations.
Since you requested an early reply, this letter is sent to you ahead of turn.
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
P.S. From your letter, it seems that you are confused about the problem of homosexuality which is somewhat surprising.
However, I must clarify this misconception which has led some individuals into confusion and wrong conclusions. The misconception stems from the argument that since individuals are born with this problem, it must be a “natural” thing, and there is therefore no need to do anything to change it, or it is not a serious problem, etc.
That this approach is entirely without foundation can be seen from the fact that the Torah (Toras Chaim and Toras Emes, because it is our true guide in the everyday life) declares that to indulge in it, or even to dwell on it mentally, is a very grave transgression of HaShem’s commandment. Hence, it is also clear that the problem is controllable, for if it were beyond human control, HaShem would not have made it a sin.
Moreover, the commandment of Pru u’rvu (“Be fruitful and multiply”) applies also to persons who have the said problem. Indeed, I know of a number of cases of people who had this problem, but eventually overcame it, married and raised a family.
As in the case of certain other strong compulsive natural traits, it requires an effort, often a strong and persistent effort, to overcome it, but we have the assurance of the Torah, “Try hard and you will succeed.” Anyone, including certain doctors, who declares that one has to accept this emotional problem and live with it, is obviously directly at variance with the Torah, as well as with the facts of life, and does no service to the individual or to the society.
May G-d grant that you should find the effort easier than you think, in accordance with the assurance of our Sages, “He who is determined to purify himself, receives aid from On High.”
