9346 —הכרת הנסים, התקדמות במצוות, והתגברות על קשיים

B"H, 23rd of Tammuz, 5727.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It was with pleasure that I received your letter in which you write how you recognized the kindnesses of Hashem and saw the greatness of the miracles, etc., and that you immediately expressed this recognition through action—fulfilling the mitzvah of putting on tefillin—and your decision to ascend in holiness along the path that leads to the House of G‑d.

May it be His will that the promise of our Sages be fulfilled in you: "One mitzvah brings another mitzvah," so that your daily conduct will become more and more aligned with our Torah—the Torah of life—and its mitzvos about which it is said "and you shall live by them." There is always room for improvement in all matters of goodness and holiness, for they are infinite since their source is from the Infinite One, blessed be He.

Now it is even easier for you as you stand under the impression of these events and miracles; for a miracle (from the phrase "I will raise a banner on the mountains") elevates a person with inspiration and nobility of spirit to recognize the wonders of the Creator and His individual providence. A person who possesses intelligence must immediately conclude that if Hashem is Master of His world at the time of a miracle, then certainly He is Master also tomorrow and in the future. This obligates a person to fulfill the Creator's commandments.

If in the past things were as they were—nonetheless from now on there should be a way of life aligned with Hashem's commandment, with joy and gladness of heart. Even though at times it seems there are difficulties, with a strong enough resolution one sees that most difficulties are imagined or at least easier than they appeared; in any case it is worthwhile to overcome them.

Certainly you will stay connected with those friends who influenced you positively and who will surely continue to help you as much as possible. May Hashem fulfill all your heart's desires for good both materially and spiritually together.

With blessings for success and good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches us to recognize G‑d's miracles in our lives by taking positive action through mitzvos. Spiritual growth should be ongoing; challenges can often be overcome more easily than we think when we resolve firmly to do so. Supportive friendships help us continue on this path.