1803 —התאמת ימי הבריאה בתורה עם תיאוריות מדעיות

B"H, 28 Menachem Av, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I pleasantly received your letter from the 10th of Menachem Av, in which you express joy regarding the matters I touched upon in my previous letter. I write that I only touched upon them briefly, as it is difficult to elaborate sufficiently in writing—especially since I do not know your inclinations and talents precisely. As stated in the introduction to Sefer HaTanya about the advantage of spoken words over written ones: The reader reads according to his own way and understanding, and according to his intellectual grasp, for not all intellects and opinions are alike.

Regarding your question if it is possible to interpret the time of the six days of Creation so that each "day" refers to a period of many years—thus making it possible to reconcile this with what scientists in geology and other fields claim—I must say that such an interpretation cannot be accepted (even though some Jewish researchers, with all due respect, have erred in this). This is because Shabbos depends on this matter: one of the two reasons for keeping Shabbos is "for in six days [G‑d] made... and on the seventh day He rested," which is a straightforward proof—besides many other proofs from both revealed and hidden Torah—that these six days are literal. This is also why we write in legal documents this year as "the year five thousand seven hundred and twelve since Creation." Do not let this trouble you at all, for even among scientists themselves there are contradictions from one extreme to another regarding these calculations.

I was very pleased to learn from Haraha"g vavaha"ch iy"a nu"n who is involved with tzt"z etc., Moreinu HaRav Mordechai HaKohen Perlow, that he assists you regarding building a mikvah that will be constructed beautifully according to our holy Torah. May it be G‑d's will that your efforts to bring purity into the world—which is one of the foundations for sustaining Jewish families (as explained by Tosefet Yom Tov at the end of tractate Yoma; this too brings closer the end of exile)—will bring you success and blessing in all matters, especially in finding a suitable match for you both materially and spiritually soon.

Enclosed is a section from what was discussed on Shabbos Mevarchim Chodesh Elul. Surely you will publicize it appropriately among your acquaintances. I do not know your skill in translation, but if you can try yourself or through others to translate such sections into Italian, I would appreciate if they were published—and even better if you send me a copy (since I am somewhat familiar with this language) before printing.

With blessings for success both materially and spiritually.

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies that interpreting each day of Creation as an era contradicts Torah tradition and undermines Shabbos observance. He encourages steadfastness in Torah values despite scientific debates and praises efforts to spread purity and holiness within Jewish life.