6610 —מטרת זכרונות משפחתיים והשראת דורות הבאים

B"H, 21 Kislev, 5719
Brooklyn.

The distinguished Chassid, a God-fearing man, distinguished and honored, engaged in communal affairs, Reb Avraham DovBer, may he live long

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I want to thank you for sending me the book Toldos R. Moshe Eliezer Kremer (תולדות רמ"א קרעמער)^[1], an account of your father, peace be upon him, in Yiddish and English.

Certainly the book is found among all the members of the family, and above all among the younger ones. As explained in several places, and as is also understood by reason, the purpose of describing the homes of earlier generations, and of recollections of the past in general, is not merely to tell a beautiful story about a fine person. Rather, the intention is that it should awaken and call forth in the reader, especially when a member of the family reads it, a strong will to walk in the well-trodden path of the one remembered, and in general to conduct oneself in that way, and so to bring nachas ruach (gratification) to his soul^[2]. And if this is expected of everyone, how much more so is it to be expected of the members of the family.

And seeing how his children (you and your brothers, may you live long) take part in all the matters that were so dear to the one remembered, your father, peace be upon him, this is an iron bridge^[3] on which your children and your brothers' children can also come; and according to the saying, "the deed is the main thing"^[4], the grandchildren of the one remembered should go in his way, supporting all the matters and institutions that were so dear to him, and in general be a living model in whom his image (דיוקנו)^[5] is reflected. And it is well known what our Sages say: when one truly wants, one accomplishes^[6].

With blessings for a joyous Chanukah, to you and your brothers with your families, may they live long.

[Your] letter just received.^[7]

Publisher's notes

Reb Avraham DovBer (מו"ה אברהם דובער): Kremer, Brooklyn. Further letters to him: above, vol. 2, letter 270; vol. 4, letter 895; vol. 6, letter 1543.

Notes

1. Toldos R. Moshe Eliezer Kremer (תולדות רמ"א קרעמער): רמ"א = R. Moshe Eliezer HaLevi Kremer (Morris L. Kramer; 1864–1925, passed away 6 Iyar 5685), the recipient's father. A Chabad Chassid born in Kurenets, in the Vilna province, he emigrated to America in 1895 and in 1924 founded Agudas Chasidei Chabad of the United States and Canada, serving as its first president; after his passing his son R. Chaim Zalman led it. Another son, the attorney Samuel Kramer, legal counsel of Agudas Chasidei Chabad, worked with the American authorities to rescue the Previous Rebbe from Nazi-occupied Poland in the winter of 1939–40, and afterwards to rescue the rabbis and students of Tomchei Temimim. The book is the account of his life published in New York after his passing, in Yiddish and English (Life of Morris L. Kramer).

2. Gratification to his soul (נחת רוח פאר זיין נשמה): In line with the teaching of our Sages (Sanhedrin 104a), ברא מזכי אבא, "a son brings merit to his father": when his descendants follow his path, it brings gratification to his soul and an ascent in Gan Eden.

3. An iron bridge (אייזערנער בריק): A strong and lasting link between the generations. The sons of the one remembered, who walk in his way and take part in his causes, are the link that carries his way on to his grandchildren.

4. The deed is the main thing (המעשה הוא העיקר): Based on Avos 1:17, ולא המדרש הוא העקר, אלא המעשה, "Study is not the main thing, but deed." That is, the whole purpose of writing such memoirs is that they lead to action.

5. His image (דיוקנו): The language of our Sages about Yosef (Sotah 36b): באותה שעה באתה דיוקנו של אביו ונראתה לו בחלון, "At that moment the image of his father came and appeared to him in the window"; the father's image in the son's heart stood by him in his trial. So here: the grandchildren are themselves to be their grandfather's "image", and his likeness is to be reflected in them.

6. When one truly wants, one accomplishes (מען וויל אויף א אמת, פירט מען אויס): Apparently referring to the teaching of our Sages (Shabbos 104a), בא ליטהר מסייעים אותו, "One who comes to purify himself is helped", and to the well-known saying, "nothing stands in the way of the will" (see Zohar II, 162b). When one truly wants, one is helped from Above and succeeds in carrying the will into action.

7. [Your] letter just received (בריף ערשט ערהאלטן): A postscript, printed so in the Igros. A further letter from the recipient arrived just as this one was being sent, and the Rebbe acknowledges its receipt.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that family histories are meant to inspire descendants to actively follow their ancestors' paths and values. By living as examples and supporting cherished traditions, we bring true nachas ruach (gratification) to their souls.