Return on Investment
Thoughts of mortality may drive us to fearful introspection. But we must never forget: a good deed is the principle for spiritual growth, both in this world and the next. The Avner Institute presents two insightful letters, one of condolence but also affirmation of the eternal soul and its journey; the other of advice in mundane business but caution against distractions from Torah observance and institutions.
Dedicated in memory of loving memory of Hadassah Lebovic A”h
“To gratify the soul”
By the Grace of G-d
1st Day of Chanukah 5730
Brooklyn, NY
Rabbi M. Weiner
31 Park Road
Maplewood, NJ
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother, a”h.
I extend to you, and to all the bereaved family, my sincere sympathy and the traditional blessing of condolence: [Hebrew] May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
May you not know of any sorrow in the future, but only goodness and benevolence be with you always.
Cordially,
[signature]
P.S. On the basis of our personal acquaintance, and what I have heard about you from mutual friends, I take the liberty of suggesting to you that in addition to Kaddish at the daily prayers, followed by Kaddish d’Rabonon after Mishnayos, as is customary, you also include among things a practical halacha [law], such as from the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch [Abridged Jewish Law]. This is of special importance in our day and age, and it has many worthwhile implications. Also, it is a zechus horabim [general merit], coupled with a special zechus for the soul of the departed. Also, furthering adherence to the Will of G-d, especially by a person of influence, gives practical expression to [opening words of Kaddish] yisgadal yiskadash shmei rabah.
I also wish to make a further point—in the light of Chasidus, which gives a new insight into the concept of teshuvah.
True Essence
Teshuvah, as interpreted in Chasidus, does not mean “repentance” (which is only one aspect of it), but—as the word indicates—a return of the soul to its “source and root.” The “return” referred to here is not the return of the soul to its Maker at the end of its allotted years on earth, but its return to its true essence. As explained by the Alter Rebbe in his Tanya, ch. 31, this is achieved when the Jew is engaged in Torah and mitzvoth, especially when it is permeated with inner joy and inspiration. For at that time, too, the soul “departs from the body”—in the sense that it abandons the bodily needs, inclinations, and lusts. Moreover, at such time the soul actually involves the body in the spiritual exercise, inducing it, too, to obey the Will of G-d, the Source of the soul and of all existence, so that not only the soul returns to its Source, but it also takes the physical body along with it.
The above provides an insight into what seems to be a somewhat “incongruous” observation by the Rambam, namely, that the period of mourning observed by a bereaved family has to do with teshuvah (and, it is written, “But the living shall take it to heart”). One would expect that the first natural reaction of a person sustaining such a loss would be that of resentment and complaint.
However, in the light of what has been said above, it is understandable why, on deeper reflection, the shock of seeing a dear soul depart this life should induce teshuvah. For this is a fitting time to reflect upon the opportunities which have been given to the soul to “return” to its Source while it is here on earth, housed in its body, and in this experience of teshuvah to live a meaningful and happy life to a ripe old age.
I trust there is no need for further elaboration on the above to you.
Special Allowance
A word of explanation: This entire piece has been written as a P.S. and a separate sheet, not because it is of lesser importance than the letter preceding it. (On the contrary.) However, our Sages wisely reminded us that allowances should be made for a person in distress. The thought might just occur that—here comes a man, who is not a relative, and wishes to take advantage of a profound and unhappy experience in order to advance his ideals. For this reason, this part of the letter has been separated from the first.
But in truth, the two parts are not really separate but intimately connected. Besides, and this is the main point: These ideals are not only mine, but (also) yours. To quote the Alter Rebbe again, “A Jew neither desires nor is capable of being separated from G-dliness.” Only circumstances sometime obscure the truth. “I believe with complete faith” that this is the way to gratify the soul which is in the World of Truth, and I venture to say that you also share this belief.
May G-d grant that henceforth you will actualize the above by the stimulus of happy occasions, in accordance with the contents of the said chapter in Tanya, through the study of our Torah, Toras Emes [Torah of Truth], the kind of study that leads to action, the fulfillment of the mitzvoth in the daily life. And may you, together with your wife, bring up your children in this spirit. I refer not only to your natural children, but also to your “children” figuratively speaking, namely, those who look up to you as teacher and mentor, as our Sages interpret the words, “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children” – “thy students.”
“To fulfill your pledge more easily”
By the Grace of G-d
14 Elul 5743
Brooklyn, NY
Mr. & Mrs. Binyomin & Mania Velseberg
19 Danman Place
Hillside, NJ 07205
Greeting and Blessing:
This is in reply to your letter of the 8th of Elul, for which many thanks.
Not in the order of its topics, but in the order of relative importance, I will begin with the conclusion of your letter, which, moreover, appears under a P.S. But I think that the real reason for its appearing in a P.S., rather than within the body of the letter, is that it is way above the letter. For in the P.S. you speak of “acquiring shares” in G-d’s business, whereas in the letter you write about shares in a manmade corporation—though the letter too, of course, is under the guidance of Hashem, as are all human activities.
I am referring to your pledge towards the expansion of the second Torah institution which instructs and educates G-d’s children in G-d’s Torah—not just to enrich their knowledge, but to enrich their everyday life by embodying the principles and teachings of the Torah, and making certain also that the children and grandchildren of these students will follow in their path.
May G-d grant that you should fulfill your pledge with joy and gladness of heart, especially as it will surely serve as an inspiring example for many of your friends to emulate. And you will have a share in the zechus of those who are influenced by you.
You are, of course, right in observing that the period when “The King is in the Field” makes it most auspicious to receive G-d’s blessings. May G-d grant that in light of this, and also as we are living in the jet age, Hashem will speed the fulfillment of your pledge even sooner than anticipated, as has been your experience in the past.
Turning to the subject matter of your letter which, although secondary in relation to the importance of your pledge in G-d’s “company,” the investment about which you write has an additional significance in that it will also enable you to fulfill your pledge more easily. As usual, the cause precedes the effect. May G-d grant that in this too the hatzlacha [success] will be even greater than anticipated.
At this time, when, as mentioned, “The King is in the Field,” I extend prayerful wishes to you both, to raise your children to a life of Torah, Chuppah, and Good Deeds, and have true Yiddishe nachas [Jewish joy] from each and all of them, in good health, joy and gladness of heart.
Wishing you and all yours a kasiva vachasima tova, for a good and sweet year, materially and spiritually.
With blessing,
[signature]
P.S. With your indulgence, I come with the following remarks, which are made with two reservations. First, that what follows does in no way minimize what has been said above in regard to G-d’s blessings and hatzlacha.
Second, though I have heard from my father-in-law of saintly memory that, as a rule, “one should not volunteer advice,” I made an exception in the present instance, on the basis of our longstanding friendship.
I therefore venture to express the thought that perhaps it may be wise at this point not to let your business interests in various areas extend unduly. I am certain that, as a practical and experienced businessman, you do not make a business decision without first carefully weighing all fact and getting the benefit of expert counseling, and the like. And, as stated above, I am confident that your undertakings and commitments as of now will be with hatzlacha.
But it would seem to me that it would be good to avoid further distraction from your present business by new business propositions. If there is an accumulation of capital for investment, it may well be best to invest it in the businesses in which you are already involved, have the knowhow, connections, etc.
May G-d grant that here, too, you will enjoy Hashem’s guidance and blessings in the fullest measure.
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