742 —אמונה בהבטחת הרבי וברכות לשנה טובה

B"H, 17 Elul, Hashem should protect her.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 9th of Av, where you describe your situation and mention that you wrote about it to the Rebbe, my father-in-law, of blessed memory, and he then answered you... You should know that the Rebbe always kept his promises. Especially now, in the year of histalkus (passing), as the Alter Rebbe writes, all sorts of previous limitations are removed. Therefore, you should be certain and strong in your faith and trust that the Rebbe's promise will be fulfilled—it is only a matter of time.

Of course... regarding what you write about your daughter... I remember from my time in Paris when she delivered your request through me... At that time she was sent a siddur, and I am sure that receiving her education at Beis Rivkah she uses this siddur often, and it is probably already worn out. So I have now instructed that a new siddur be sent to her. May Hashem help that what she prays for with this siddur will be accepted favorably before the Master of all.

In general, these are now the days of Elul, and soon come the days of Selichos, then the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe), and then the joyous days of Sukkos and Shemini Atzeres. One must know that this is true for every Jew—man or woman: when one asks Hashem to be merciful and gracious and to guard kindness, it awakens the heart and Jewish spark within everyone. Then Hashem forgives if one has not always behaved as one should have and grants a good inscription and sealing for a good year. Then come joyful times—a good and sweet year both materially and spiritually.

You surely keep the custom to give tzedakah into Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes’s charity box before lighting Shabbos and Yom Tov candles; this is a segulah for health and livelihood.

When I am at the resting place (tziyun) of my father-in-law, I will mention you, your husband, and your daughter for a good inscription and sealing. I wish you that the Rebbe’s promise should be fulfilled as soon as possible, and you should have a good inscription and sealing for a good and sweet year.

With blessings for a good inscription and sealing,
Menachem Schneerson
From a copy by secretariat.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages unwavering faith in his predecessor’s promise even amidst challenges. He emphasizes prayer, education, charity before candle lighting as segulos for blessing, and extends heartfelt wishes for spiritual and material goodness in the coming year.