2263 —הצלת ילדים מחינוך לא דתי ושמירת עקרי התורה

B"H, 12 Menachem Av, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Moreinu HaRav Shmuel Elazar Shaulzon

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge receipt of your letters from the eve of Pesach and the 4th of Menachem Av. We begin with a blessing: Mazal tov on the birth of your son; surely he has already entered into the covenant of Avraham Avinu, and just as he entered into the covenant, so may he enter into Torah, marriage, and good deeds. May you and your wife derive much Chassidic nachas from him.

Even though you have sent—and with G‑d's help will continue to send—printed materials directly to the editor of HaModia in a proper manner, certainly you too will remain vigilant and encourage that matters relevant to the public are publicized. I have instructed the secretariat that your name should also be included among those who receive the pamphlets, etc.

The Torah's perspective is that wherever it is possible to save a child from an education of heresy (G‑d forbid) to one of utmost mitzvah observance, every effort must be made. If this is not possible, then at least to an education based simply on Shulchan Aruch—even if not beyond its letter—or even worse, at least to an education that preserves the fundamentals of faith and the most severe prohibitions in Torah; still, one must strive to save him—provided he does not assimilate among non-Jews or receive a heretical education (G‑d forbid).

Anyone who says in such a case: "What concern is this of mine?"—especially after having had custody of the child but withdrawing out of fear for what people might say—is not only causing harm but actively pushing these students toward an anti-religious education. It is known about one of our holy Nesi'im who would answer questions even during Chol HaMoed by letter; as his saying goes: "I can bend my own hiddur for someone else's essential need." All the more so when political calculations or similar concerns are involved—it is forbidden to lose even a single Jewish soul! How much more so when hundreds or thousands are at stake—and especially when these are students who were already under their care. The full responsibility lies with the heads of institutions to do everything in their power so that at least these children remain faithful to their faith—even if they cannot yet ensure they will remain Chassidim or exceptionally meticulous in mitzvos, etc., etc.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every possible effort must be made to save Jewish children from non-religious or heretical education. Even if only minimal observance can be achieved, it is vital not to abandon any soul due to fear or political considerations—the responsibility is absolute.