2263 —הצלת ילדים מחינוך לא דתי ושמירת עקרי התורה

B"H, 12 MarCheshvan, 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 the festival and the 4th of MarCheshvan. We begin with a blessing to wish you 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 receive 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 them to publicize matters that concern the public. I have instructed the secretariat that your name should also be added to 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) and provide him with an education of utmost mitzvah observance, every effort must be made. If this is not possible, then at least an education according to Shulchan Aruch alone—even if not beyond its letter—or even worse than this: at least an education that preserves the fundamentals of faith and the most serious commandments in Torah. Even then 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 that in such a case "what concern is this of mine," especially after having had responsibility for the child and then withdrawing out of fear of public opinion—this is not only causing harm but actively pushing these students away and delivering them into anti-religious education.

It is known regarding one of our holy Nesi'im who would answer his questioners even during Chol HaMoed, saying: "Ich ken nit iber maynem a hiddur farboygen af yenems a ikar" (I cannot bend my own stringency at someone else's expense of a fundamental principle). All the more so when it comes to political calculations or similar matters—it is forbidden to lose even one Jewish soul. How much more so when hundreds or thousands are involved; how much more so when these are students who were already under their care. The full responsibility lies with the heads of these 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.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every possible effort must be made to prevent Jewish children from receiving non-religious or heretical education. Even if only minimal observance can be achieved, leaders are responsible for ensuring children remain faithful to Judaism.