9234 —השתדלות עבור יצחק פולק, בריאות, וברכות שמעל לפרטיכל

B"H, 16 MarCheshvan, 5727.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hope that by the time you receive this letter you have already received regards from here via the guests from Eretz HaKodesh who visited (who brought regards from Mar and Talmid Chacham again). And "a messenger fulfills his mission," so they surely conveyed not only regards from here but also at least some points of what was discussed here in the seventh month, which—as our Sages expound—is full of abundance in every way.

Now to the main point: I have learned some details about one of the great doers in tzedakah in general and especially in tzedakah connected with spreading Torah and its mitzvos—one with fine character traits and much activity—Yitzchak Polak (22 Spinoza St., Tel Aviv). There is no need to elaborate on the matter itself since, based on the documents sent to me, many among our Jewish brethren—both Torah scholars and those known for good deeds—have already approached you with heartfelt requests to grant him clemency as soon as possible and to the greatest extent. And not only based on his past; I am firmly confident also regarding his future—not only will he continue his good activities as mentioned but also regarding his righteousness and good conduct in matters between man and fellow man in addition to those between man and G‑d. Since his health is also not well, this adds another aspect of kindness and mercy—great compassion—to the whole matter.

Of course I do not enter into the legal case itself or its management etc., especially since many others who approached you wrote about this in detail; rather I address only practical action—in chassidic language: regarding the "therefore"—his release from prison and return home to his family as soon as possible at a favorable and successful hour.

Perhaps what I write here is not suitable for protocol, but surely you recall my approach that matters outside protocol often succeed more than those within it—especially regarding you and your affairs.

I was saddened by news some time ago that you entered a medical facility (I do not use the term "hospital," especially since it is contrary to the purpose of such a place—it describes a person's state before entering for treatment), even though it was clarified that it was for tests. But even that seems unnecessary; one should presume a person is healthy, fit, upright etc. However, I have already received word days ago that you have returned home and to your work—and I hope also to full health.

May it be G‑d's will—as one fulfills their obligation for receiving tzedakah for an entire year by requesting and receiving lekach on Erev Yom Kippur—that you too have fulfilled your need for medical help for the coming year through this entry and exit as described above.

With esteem, honor, and blessing,
M. Schneersohn

P.S. Continuing with acting beyond protocol as mentioned above: I was pleased these days to hear from an American Jewish tourist who was in Moscow on Shabbat Nachamu and the following Shabbat. He prayed there at the synagogue and told acquaintances how on Shabbat Nachamu they spoke with him (after seeing there was no suspicion etc.) about your visit to New York—with warmth and friendship—and on the following Shabbat continued discussing your visit here on Motzaei Shabbat Nachamu or as they called it "in Lubavitch," expressing their great joy over this.

Additionally: The initial acquaintance of several synagogue attendees with him happened as usual there—by quickly passing by him with words thrown out: "From where?"—"A New Yorker." "A Lubavitcher?"—"No" (I don't know him), "but I've heard," etc. The tourist remains impressed by their joy over your visit at a Lubavitch gathering etc.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that advocacy rooted in compassion can transcend formalities; acts beyond protocol often yield greater success. He encourages maintaining faith in positive outcomes both for others’ welfare and one’s own health through trust in G‑d’s kindness.