Dear Mrs. Kassowsky: It is with great regret and profound grief that I just learned of the demise of your late, beloved, and illustrious husband who was not only a Gaon in Israel widely beloved by all classes and factions in South Africa, and admired throughout the world. I was so happy that I was able to see him at the very end of my stay in Johannesburg, and able to report to your daughter and son-in-law that he was making good progress. It was therefore doubly disappointing and heartbreaking to me to learn of his tragic death. Just three or four days ago Nisam had called to tell me that he was returning from the hospital!I know that mere words are never sufficient consolation for so great a loss. Nevertheless, it may soften the blow to realize that you are not alone in your mourning, and that so very many people share your grief at this time even as they have always shared your admiration and reverence for your great husband of blessed memory.May his memory be a blessing and a source of strength to you, to your children and grandchildren, for all time to come.May the Almighty console you amongst all other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.Sincerely,RABBI NORMAN LAMM