724 —פרנסה, עשיית כלים טבעיים, ומסחר אתרוגים כעבודה ארעית

B"H, 12 Elul, may Hashem guard and protect.

Haraha"ch vavacha"ch iy"a etc. Moreinu Harav... may he live.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Sunday of Rosh Chodesh Elul: As you requested, I will mention you and your family for blessing in the Ohel and sanctuary of my father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m, each one according to their needs.

Regarding your question about livelihood: Certainly one must make natural vessels, as explained in Sefer HaMitzvos by tzt"z (page [156a]) and in Kuntres U'Maayan (maamar ^[17]). When one makes natural vessels, Hashem will grant His blessing for what you and your family need.

Concerning what you write about the etrog trade: May it be G‑d's will that if you do this it will be successful. However, this is only a temporary business; you should seek a permanent source of livelihood. "You shall labor—and you shall find."

Certainly you have fixed times for studying the teachings of my father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m; this is a vessel to draw down and receive his blessings both materially and spiritually.

With blessings for being inscribed and sealed for good.

Menachem Schneerson

From a copy of the secretariat.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while temporary work like etrog trade can be helpful, one should seek stable livelihood through natural means and maintain regular Torah study as a vessel for receiving blessings in all areas of life.