A Gift Known by Its Aroma

One talmid was struggling to find his match and build a home. Rav Hutner wrote to him that he was aware of every trial the young man had faced. With a gentle sting he added that when the moment came to sing at the crossing of the sea, the talmid had been occupied with a parshah of the Torah. He expressed confidence that with Hashem’s help the talmid would climb ever higher and succeed.

An author sent Rav Hutner a copy of his sefer, and Rav Hutner replied with warm thanks. He explained that an upcoming departure for Eretz Yisroel made the journey a burden and he lacked the calm of mind needed to savor the gift fully. Sadly, he wrote, he could enjoy only its fragrance.