My Son Keeps me Going

Thursday, 5 Tammuz, 5716, June 14 (1956)

It’s already been several days that I feel a desire to write something, but I’ve been delaying it.

I wanted, and no doubt ought, for the sake of my son, shlita, to write words that are not so “depressing,” but what should I do when I don’t yet feel that way.

It’s now nine years since my arrival here [in New York]. Thank G‑d for my son, who has been accomplishing so much in recent years. He possesses outstandingly great abilities, intellectual brilliance and erudition, in addition to the greatness and holiness of his soul, and the fact that whatever he does is born of absolute truth. The world at large recognizes this and appreciates it.

The young people are so devoted to him; they love him and relate to him as to a G‑dly person.

I see all this, understand it and appreciate it.

My son, may he be well, can say “I am better for you than ten sons.”1“Some individuals can acquire their [portion in the] World to Come in a single hour.”2 My son acquires it with the ten minutes that he comes in to visit me every day.

It’s what keeps me going

It’s already twelve years that I’m on my own. Thank G‑d for the good that I have. What I grasp on to is my son, shlita.

My son’s accomplishments
Following Shabbat, eve of 14 Kislev, 5717 (11/18/1956)

Today is the wedding anniversary of my son, shlita. May G‑d grant that he and his wife live long, fortunate lives and enjoy their life together.

The Rebbe with his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe

Twenty-eight years have passed. During that time, my son has accomplished much, publishing a great deal of material. In his humility, he accomplishes it all without fanfare. Nevertheless, the general public already recognizes his accomplishments and appreciates them. He has great abilities, and since childhood has never been idle for a moment; his time is always occupied. May he be in good health, and may all his efforts proceed under positive and tranquil conditions.

In any case, [may it be] a good week. I hope that my son, long may he live, will yet arrive and we will wish each other a good week, and may everything always be good.

For the full diary entry please visit: http://www.chabad.org/1909228