By the Grace of G-d
Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan, 5729
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Chaplain Moshe Stengel
Office of the Jewish Chaplain
Ft. Bragg, N.C. 28307
Greeting and blessing:
I was gratified to hear a report from the representatives of Tzeirei Agudas Chabad who visited your Fort during Purim, and also brought Shalach Manos from you and the Jewish men under the Jewish chaplaincy. It was quite opportune and significant that this reached me in the midst of our celebration of Seudas Purim, when the joy of Purim attains a more intense form.
May G-d grant the fulfillment of the words of the Megillah - ליהודים היתה אורה ושמחה וששון ויקר - "For the Jews there was light, joy, gladness, and honor." May this be fulfilled also in the case of each and every one of us, in the midst of our people Israel, in accordance with the traditional text which we add to this quotation from the Megillah - כן תהי' לנו - "So be it for us too".
Now that this letter has been delayed until today, Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan, which is highlighted by Pesach, the season of our liberation, I also add the prayerful wish that this liberation include also liberation from all things that distract the Jew from serving G-d wholeheartedly and with joy. Indeed, in accordance with the saying of our Sages, that true חירות - freedom - can be accomplished only through a life of Torah and Mitzvoth, may each and every one of us use the maximum degree of influence that one can bring to bear on the environment in helping achieve true liberation in the daily life. Certainly you have been especially privileged to have a considerable influence, both directly and indirectly, on your fellow Jews, in a situation where they are particularly receptive to such influence. May you enjoy the fruits, and fruits of fruits, of your efforts. And may G-d, the Creator of the world and the Creator of man, the Essence of Goodness whose nature it is to do good, keep and protect each and every one of you wherever you may be, and return you to civilian life safe and sound both physically and spiritually.
Hoping to hear good news from you, and wishing you and yours a Kosher and happy Pesach,
With blessing,
