914 —הדרכה על גישת החינוך של בית רבקה

B"H, 6 Adar II, 5711.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Kalman Katlowitz

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I enjoyed the detailed report from the Beis Rivkah School of Crown Heights and will note here some comments regarding this report:

(a) Regarding what you wrote about training the children to learn various words in Lashon HaKodesh while speaking in the local language: training a child to mix two languages in their speech seems to have an aspect that contradicts such a habit.

(b) Concerning Shacharis for the children, I do not understand the purpose of including the song "Adon Olam." Surely you have the "Blessings and Prayers" booklet that was published; see there on page 2 regarding morning blessings for young children.

(c) In Birchos HaNehenin you mention omissions in the regular blessings such as Borei Pri HaEtz, Borei Pri HaAdamah, etc., as well as "Barich Rachmana."

(d) The report does not mention whether the children are being trained in matters of derech eretz (proper conduct), such as behavior during eating, helping a friend, etc.

(e) It is appropriate to make a remembrance of Mincha before dismissal, such as by reciting "Poseach Es Yadecha," etc., or verses following Aleinu—like "Al Tira," etc.

Surely you know how much my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, devoted his soul to proper education and maintaining Judaism even in the simplest matters—even though he could have used those times for studying secrets of Torah and deeper secrets. This is a lesson for each of us; elaboration is unnecessary.

Surely you too are increasing your strength in your educational work—your influence on your students and those you educate—and also with their parents at home: enlightening them with the light of Torah and mitzvah in accordance with our Sages' words: "Words that come from the heart," which also means literally simple words.

With blessings for success in your work in proper education and your personal matters.

Summary

The Rebbe provides practical guidance on educational methods at Beis Rivkah, stressing clarity in language use, meaningful prayer practices, attention to blessings and manners, and inspiring both students and their families through heartfelt Torah influence.