2249 —שימוש בשפת המדינה ודאגות מהתבוללות

B"H, 13 Tishrei, 5714.

Brooklyn, NY.

The esteemed and elevated, a man of distinction, an energetic activist, wise in good matters, etc., Dr. Y.N. Steinberg sheyichyeh

Shalom u'Vrachah!

The secretariat conveyed to me the content of your phone conversation, especially your protest regarding our use of the local language, as you are concerned this could lead to assimilation and related issues.

I was pleased to hear your strong perspective on assimilation. If there was always a need for caution in this matter, how much more so in our times when boundaries are blurred—especially since there are those who call darkness light and light darkness.

I hope that your generous outlook toward others will extend to this perspective as well and that you will positively influence others.

Practically speaking: regarding our publishing materials not only in Lashon HaKodesh and Yiddish but also in English (and French), it is known what our Sages said: "Not study but action is primary." In practice, we cannot wait until all our Jewish brethren everywhere learn to understand Lashon HaKodesh or Yiddish; we must save them and bring them closer to our Father in Heaven and to Torah and mitzvos in actuality—lost time is an irretrievable loss.

Moreover, here in America the issue of language is not connected with assimilation. Unfortunately, we find here that youth who speak Lashon HaKodesh—especially those with Sephardic pronunciation—may still be far from Torah and mitzvos; may they be inspired to teshuvah. My intention is not G‑d forbid that Lashon HaKodesh leads to this; rather, as mentioned above, it is the exchange of values here—calling light darkness and darkness light—and this outlook that for a mess of pottage of nationalism they sell their Father in Heaven and Torah and mitzvos; this is what leads them to speak Lashon HaKodesh. There is no need to elaborate on such a painful matter.

How true are the words of our prophets: "Your destroyers and those who lay you waste will come from among you," for those false ideas containing a spark of holiness cause even greater harm.

Regarding yourself: what was sent to you from current events in the local language was intended so that if you find something relevant you might wish to bring it to the attention of a wider circle—including those who do not understand Lashon HaKodesh or Yiddish. In any case, enclosed is the material also in Lashon HaKodesh and Yiddish.

Soon may be fulfilled the prophecy: "And they shall all form one group to serve the One G‑d through observing one Torah for all of us," and may this happen now—in every language people hear—and afterwards "with one language for all of us."

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that practical outreach takes precedence over linguistic concerns; using local languages helps save Jews spiritually without inherently causing assimilation. The focus must remain on drawing Jews closer to Torah through effective means.