938 —דיבור באספות בלתי חרדיות והשפעה על אחדות ישראל

B"H, Eve of Rosh Chodesh Adar Sheni, 5711.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Tzvi Shusterman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letters from the 10th and 17th of last Adar: It is difficult to set fixed rules regarding your question about speaking at gatherings of parties or organizations that are not observant. On one hand, it is proper to use every opportunity available to influence various circles of our fellow Jews, bringing them closer to Judaism, Torah, and mitzvos. On the other hand, care must be taken that by participating in their gathering it should not be interpreted—oysiteytshen—as a kind of endorsement of their views or at least their activities.

Practically speaking, one should eliminate—bavarnen—the latter concern and speak wherever is suitable for planting a seed of Judaism and fear of Heaven. In the overwhelming majority of cases, such sowing yields growth—whether immediately or after some time.

Surely you are meeting with Mr... and his wife; diplomatically strive that they actually fulfill what we discussed when they were here regarding family purity. I hope you will share good news that Mr...’s son has begun putting on tefillin. And why should he play games with the Aibershter?

As you requested, I mentioned you and your entire family yesterday—Erev Rosh Chodesh—at the resting place of my father-in-law the Rebbe for all your needs.

With blessing and regards to your entire group.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that one should use every opportunity to inspire fellow Jews toward Torah observance—even in non-religious settings—while ensuring participation does not appear as an endorsement of opposing views. Diplomatic persistence in mitzvah matters is encouraged.