1354 —עיכובים בקבלת ספרים, מגבלות זמן, ושאלה הלכתית

B"H, 18 Teves, 5712.

Brooklyn, NY.

Haraha"g Haraha"ch Havavac"h iy"a num tzm"s engaged in tzt"z with faith etc. etc. Moreinu HaRav Shlomo Yosef Zevin

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...So far I have not received the volumes of the encyclopedia that your honor sent me, and meanwhile you have surely received the legal rulings as well as the volumes of Shedei Chemed that were sent from here... Regarding what you write about caution etc. and my work schedule here: for the most part this is not dependent on me, and what can I do? To further cut down on time is impossible, because as it is everyone complains about the delay in my responses to them—about why articles and talks are not being published or printed, why there is no money in the fund, why I have no assistants etc., and of course all these complaints are directed at me. May it be G‑d's will that everything be for the good and that my strength and time be used for matters of true value...

Blessings for proper health and success in your work.

Incidentally: In Rambam Hilchos Deos chapter 4 it seems to me that a word was omitted in printings and it should read: "It is among the ways of serving Hashem." The same appears there at the end of chapter 3 as well.

P.S.: Enclosed is a copy of a general letter for Yud-Tes Kislev; I hope it will interest your honor. Some time ago I asked the Chief Rabbi if any correction was made so that one could travel on Jewish ships since they also travel on Shabbos; I still have not received an answer. Perhaps you know if any correction has been made in this matter, because sometimes people ask me about this.

Summary

The Rebbe discusses practical challenges with time management due to communal demands, highlights attention to halachic detail even amid busyness, and encourages using one's abilities for meaningful pursuits while seeking clarity on Jewish law.