2160 —על הדפסת אלפא ביתא עם תגין וזהירות בהפצתם

B"H, 2nd of Tammuz, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z David Nathan Leser

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter from the 27th of Sivan pleasantly, and as you requested, when I am at the Ohel of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, I will mention those about whom you write.

2) In response to your question: I do not have in my possession a manuscript written by the Baal Shem Tov's scribe.

3) Regarding your suggestion to print an Alef-Bet (alphabet) with tagin (crowns) as they are written in the Torah: I do not see the necessity or benefit in this. Since such things are liable not to be properly safeguarded, it is therefore appropriate to minimize their dissemination. Since this does not pertain to the education of children—for where education is concerned, our Sages have already said in Shir HaShirim Rabbah on the verse 'V'diglo Alai Ahavah' (His banner over me is love), but where it does not pertain to this, our Sages greatly extolled the sanctity of Ksav Ashuri (the Assyrian script) in many places. The Rambam's response on this matter is also well known; see Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah at the end of Siman 284.

4) And finally, I conclude my letter with a heartfelt Mazal Tov blessing for the upcoming wedding of your brother's daughter—may it be G‑d's will that they build a house in Israel, an everlasting edifice founded upon Torah and mitzvah as illuminated by the light within Torah—namely, Toras HaChassidus.

Summary

The Rebbe advises caution regarding printing sacred scripts like Alef-Bet with tagin due to concerns over proper respect and limited educational need. He stresses minimizing their distribution unless directly related to children's education and concludes with warm blessings for a family simchah.