1355 —ברכות על לידת בת, הדרכה על חינוך ועל מילה

B"H, 18 Teves, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m oseik b'tzt"z etc. Chaim Hillel Azimov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter with the pidyon nefesh, in which you wrote that a daughter was born to you—mazal tov!—and she was named in Israel Esther Hadassah, I hereby express my blessing: mazal tov! May you and your wife raise her to Torah, chuppah, and good deeds with peace of mind and body.

It is known from my revered father-in-law the Rebbe (the Rebbe Rashab) of blessed memory that our custom is to say even upon the birth of a daughter: "to Torah, chuppah, and good deeds," based on our Sages (Berachos 17a): "With what do women merit? By bringing their children to learn Torah... by sending their husbands to study... and by waiting for them."

I was pleased to read in your letter that you encouraged parents who for various reasons could not circumcise their sons about the importance of this matter—and you succeeded. Regarding your questions about milah since there will not be a minyan present: turn to the Rabbanim among Anash in our camp and tell them the details as they know the situation locally; they will instruct you what to do. See also Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 265:6.

In response to your question about teaching students: since they only learn for a short time, what is better—to pray with them or study Chumash or similar? In general, these students are mostly pre-bar mitzvah; therefore one should strive to teach them practical matters—i.e., laws they need—and also establish them in learning Chumash and similar. When teaching halachos, include practical application (the practical way), so one should also pray with them daily so they become accustomed to reciting Shema and Shemoneh Esrei, morning blessings, blessings over enjoyment, etc.

Enclosed is a general letter regarding the festival of festivals—Yud Tes Kislev. Certainly you will publicize it appropriately.

With blessings for success in your work and personal matters.

Summary

The Rebbe blesses the recipient on his daughter's birth and emphasizes education that combines practical mitzvah observance with learning. He advises consulting local Rabbanim for halachic questions about milah without a minyan and encourages spreading teachings connected to Yud Tes Kislev.