Letter 53 נ"ג

Abundant peace to my beloved dear friend, the precious one of my soul and heart — truly the crown of my head and the apple of my eye — my whole vitality depends upon him. The wondrous Chassid, close and bound to Rabbainu the Holy one with a strong and firm bond — may Hashem preserve him and give him life and raise him higher and higher — he is my glory and the delight of my heart — and all my longing is for him — our Master R' Alter Ben Tzion son of Nacha, may he live.

My soul and heart — it is a wonder to me about you: why have I not received any letter from you all this time? Not even a reply to my letter after Sukkos. Believe me — this is because I lost your address [a remarkable admission — and a deeply human explanation for the silence]. And if I had had your address — I would have written to you every time. And know: I never forget you even for a moment. And your love is engraved in my heart always. And I have chosen no other companion — only you — and R' Yaakov and R' Yisrael Dov — they are my companions in this world and in the World to Come. And especially you — upon whom my entire vitality depends. And "many waters cannot extinguish the love." And even death cannot separate between us. And I have very great sorrow — truly to the very soul — perhaps you are angry with me, etc. But I have absolutely no grievance against you, G‑d forbid. And I always pray for you at the holy Tzion. Please — multiply compassion always for me — at every holy place. And especially at the Foundation of the World, the Rashbi, of blessed memory — in spiritual and material matters. I have been very ill, G‑d forbid — a dangerous illness — may Hashem heal me completely. And may I merit to come to Eretz Yisrael very soon — and to be a complete person in holiness — and to serve Hashem together truly. Amen, so may it be His will.

And please — write to me every time. And let us write to each other about the service of Hashem. And let us arouse each other — and pray for each other. And may I always be engraved and pictured in your mind and heart — as you are always engraved and pictured in my heart. Please remember and arouse our old love — together with Yaakov Zev and Yisrael Dov. And let us be one bond as before — with greater force and greater strength. And certainly we will not regret it.

From me — who awaits to see you soon: Shmuel son of Feiga.