Siman 165

(15.) A word-for-word copy of a letter in Rabbainu z"l's own handwriting that he wrote to his brother, our teacher the Rav Yechiel z"l of Kremintchak — where there was controversy against him from wicked opponents who greatly pained him, as is understood from Rabbainu z"l's own words in this letter: Your letter has reached me here in Zaslav and I had great anguish from it — how the hearts of these wicked men could be so filled, and how they brazen-faced themselves so greatly against you. And I wonder how there was found no good counter to evil — to stand against them and root out the evil. My beloved brother, the soul of my heart — do not fear and do not be dismayed before them. Only strengthen yourself and be courageous in Torah and in awe of G-d all day, as was spoken between us two. And the merit of your fathers supports you — for all of this is to elevate you and increase your honor and enlarge your understanding. For just as all kinds of seeds cannot come to the full extent of their growth until the grain is first put into the earth and afterwards the grain decays — and after its decay it flowers and sprouts and becomes a great tree — so too this matter: that through their humiliating you down to the dust, you will thereby grow and flower and blossom in the world. Were these wicked ones to know of this, they certainly would not humiliate you — for their entire intent is for evil. And let it be known to your honor that it is my intention to remain here in the holy congregation of Zaslav for approximately three months, and afterwards I shall know how to proceed. And let it be known that my wife initially had some improvement — and now the reverse has occurred and her strength goes and diminishes each day. And the expenses here are considerable — for I have had expenses here of fifty-four red coins [adumim]. And nothing more — only: may you live.