4026 —התגברות על קשיים ראשוניים בארגון תפילה ציבורית

B"H, 12 Teves, 5716. Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Avraham Dov Hecht

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 8th of Teves, in which you write that you succeeded in organizing that from Chanukah onward they began to pray every day in the synagogue, even though they encountered some difficulties. May it be fulfilled here as our Sages say: "Kol hatchalot kashot" (all beginnings are difficult), so that as you wrote, since it has materialized literally, it will also come to fruition in its precise sense—that all beginnings are difficult, but not so after the beginning. It is well known that both the beginning and the end are the first and last points, and everything in between is no longer considered a beginning or an end. Since with little effort according to your capacity you have succeeded in this matter, you should learn an even greater lesson about the good results that will come when all necessary efforts are made.

According to the above, it is understood how pleasing it is that you are also encouraging women and girls to come to prayer on Shabbat—especially since this also involves "sur meira" (turning away from negativity). This should be clear enough.

You are doing well by providing refreshments after prayer, etc., and it would be even better if you add that those who participate in these prayers should take turns giving a short talk of about fifteen minutes each time.

Blessings for good news regarding all of the above as well as concerning acquiring a good home soon. Also look at the end of the Maamar Mayim Rabim.

Summary

Initial challenges are expected when starting new communal efforts like daily prayer gatherings. With perseverance and increased involvement—including women and girls—success grows easier over time. Adding short talks after prayers can further strengthen community bonds.