7983 —הסברת התחייבויות להשם וברכות לשנה החדשה

B"H, 23 Elul, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from Erev Shabbat Kodesh with the pidyon nefesh. You should explain to ... shiyichyeh that it is not proper conduct to behave this way with Hashem: that earlier, when the daughter was not well (may she be healthy), a promise was made, but afterwards there is weakness in fulfilling that promise and one waits until, G‑d forbid, a new issue arises and only then remembers the promise. These matters should be explained pleasantly and gently, etc. May Hashem grant you success in finding the right words, and may ... shiyichyeh have open ears.

Thank you for the continued reports of the talks I received; surely you will continue this in the future as well (the story you wrote about the journey of the Rebbe Rashab and his son the Rebbe Rayatz to the widow and her daughters—I heard about them from the Rebbe Rayatz himself, though some details differ).

As we approach the new year which is coming upon us and all Israel for good and blessing, I hereby express my blessing to you and your household for a ketivah vachatimah tovah for a good and sweet year both materially and spiritually.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that commitments made to Hashem should be honored consistently, not only in times of distress. He encourages gentle explanation of this principle to others and extends heartfelt blessings for a good and sweet new year in all aspects.