Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. Photo: Kinloss.

The UK’s chief rabbi on Tuesday posted on Twitter an email correspondence with a young Australian girl who had written to ask what “friendship” means to him.

Moved by 11-year-old Malia’s question, which she said was part of a school “Personal Interest Project,” United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis lauded the girl for choosing “such a beautiful and inspiring topic.”

He then proceeded to answer her query by quoting King Solomon. “Just as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend,” he wrote. “I think what King Solomon meant was that a friend is someone who has a positive impact on you. Friends support and encourage you. They make you strong when you might otherwise feel weak. They make you happy when you might otherwise feel down. They protect, empower and inspire you.”

“In other words,” he added, “your friends are the people who help you to be the best person that you can be. And of course, in return, you do the same for them.”

Rabbi Mirvis concluded by wishing Malia that she “be blessed…with many wonderful friends” to help her achieve her dreams. He also said that those who have chosen to be Malia’s friends are “extremely lucky.”

When an 11 yr old girl from Sydney emailed the Chief Rabbi to ask what friendship meant to him, this was his reply: pic.twitter.com/YtzJjn2ZcD

— Chief Rabbi Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) August 23, 2016