888 —הרחבת החינוך התורני והצלת ילדים יהודיים

B"H, Eve of the holy Shabbat, 5 Shevat, 5711. Brooklyn. To the 7th annual conference of the Committee for Defenders and Expanders of Kosher Education, under the leadership of Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Divine Providence has granted you the merit to take part in the great and important work of the committee in the field of education, especially in the 'hour to learn religion.' With this—in the words of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal—you have removed and continue to remove from thousands of Jewish children the shameful stain of complete ignorance regarding Judaism. Hundreds of children—boys and girls, may they multiply—have begun to receive a kosher education through your positive influence.

The work you do in this area is the greatest spiritual tzedakah for those lacking knowledge and is truly a matter of saving lives. For such a mitzvah—especially since it cannot be done by others—no self-sacrifice is too great.

I hope that you will strive with all possible effort to expand and broaden your activities: increasing both the number of children and locations for 'hours to learn religion' under your program, in order to bring back those Jewish children who have become temporarily estranged to their source in Torah and Judaism.

I also hope that ever-wider circles of conscious Jews—men and women—will recognize their duty and privilege to support your work with all their means.

In merit of saving Jewish children's lives, may you and your helpers and supporters be blessed by Hashem in your work and personal matters with everything you need, according to the blessing of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, both materially and spiritually.

With abundant blessings for success,
M. Schneerson

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that expanding Torah education is a vital mitzvah that saves lives spiritually. He urges everyone to increase their efforts and support so every Jewish child can reconnect with their heritage.