8337 —קופת גמילות חסדים, עושר, ונתינה בשמחה

B"H, 15 Shevat, 5722.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shomrei Shabbat Charity Fund in Brooklyn, NY. May Hashem be upon them and grant them life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your letter reporting on the annual meeting of the Shomrei Shabbat Charity Fund and the farbrengen held on Motzaei Shabbat If Kesef Talveh and Motzaei Rosh Chodesh Shevat—the month of the hilulah (this year being the twelfth) of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, leader of Israel.

May it be G‑d's will that in accordance with what is discussed in chapter 12 of the maamar for the hilulah regarding the heavenly treasury—an immense treasure opened and given to Israel's valiant ones who fulfill G‑d's will—the revealed and visible light of goodness should shine forth. As we request: "And Your good treasure for us open," which is infinite and boundless—may this be revealed very soon also as material wealth for all Jews. Thus, charity will pertain even to the wealthy, as our Sages say about this.

Therefore, since charity is not tied to poverty among Jews but also applies to their fellows who are wealthy, let all this be done with complete and genuine joy and gladness of heart.

With blessings for success in holy work and good news in all mentioned above.

M. Schneersohn

P.S. I wish to point out (and illuminate) regarding your annual report of activities: I am not at all pleased that a significant sum—relative to your turnover—is found sitting in the charity fund’s cash box. Even if we say that there are no poor among Israel as stated above, still charity applies even to the wealthy. So why is a substantial amount lying idle in your charity fund?

Enclosed is my protest—my participation in your charity fund.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that acts of charity are meant for everyone—not just those in need—and should be performed with true joy. Funds collected must be actively distributed rather than stored away so their purpose can be fulfilled.