2131 —נתינת צדקה לאחרים, ובפרט לילדים יהודיים, על ידי תמיכה במוסד חינוך ביראת שמים

B"H, 15 Sivan, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Mendel Einbund

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive greetings from you through Haraha"g Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z etc. Reb Shlomo Zalman Hecht, and a truly Jewish chassidic greeting—which means not only something connected to Ahavas Yisrael (since all Jews are responsible for one another), but also something connected to Ahavas HaTorah and Ahavas Hashem. Besides the fact that Rabbi Hecht writes to me about you in general, he also tells me that with your good will you have accepted a positive resolution regarding a great matter in which all three aforementioned loves—Ahavas Yisrael, Ahavas HaTorah, and Ahavas Hashem—are present. This is: giving a designated sum to support one of the educational institutions "Oholei Yosef Yitzchak Lubavitch," which are named after my father-in-law, the holy Rebbe zatzal.

In general, when one helps a Jew in any way, it is an act of Ahavas Yisrael; when one helps in matters of Torah study, it is an act of Ahavas HaTorah; and especially when it comes to raising Jewish children with an education imbued with fear of Heaven (Yiras Shamayim), it is also an act of Ahavas Hashem. According to the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov—as we have heard many times from my father-in-law—the three loves: Ahavas Yisrael, Ahavas HaTorah, and Ahavas Hashem are truly one.

Rabbi Hecht also writes me about the sum you have decided to give for now despite your limited circumstances. I hope that through this good action—giving this amount as tzedakah—the assurance of our Rebbeim z"l will certainly be fulfilled: "Aser bishvil shetitasher" (Tithe so that you may become wealthy). Therefore, with time you will also have the opportunity to add to this amount when Hashem broadens your means according to the need of the matter—and in such a way that it should not constrain you—not only spiritually but also materially.

May Hashem grant that for long and good years you will give tzedakah to other Jews—especially Jewish children—by supporting an educational institution imbued with fear of Heaven (Yiras Shamayim). Also give tzedakah to yourself—especially your body and animal soul—which are the truly poor ones, by increasing your Torah study in general and especially in Chassidus. May Hashem grant you success so that all this will be with good health and so we may hear good news from each other both materially and spiritually.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that supporting Jewish education combines love for fellow Jews, Torah, and G‑d. Giving tzedakah—even beyond one's means—brings blessings both materially and spiritually. One should strive for generosity toward others and oneself through Torah study and mitzvos.