2375 —לימוד תניא עם תלמידות קשישות

B"H, 29 Teves, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Morenu HaRav Yissachar Dov Gurvitz

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It is surprising that since I received your letter from the third of [the month], I have not received any updates about general matters as you promised in your aforementioned letter. Surely this is a sign that all is well; nevertheless, as our Sages rule (Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah at its beginning), one does not rely on assumptions when clarification is possible...

Your question was conveyed to me regarding whether to study Tanya with the older female students. It is well known that such a practice was established by directive of my revered teacher and master, the Rebbe zatzal, while he was in Riga with some of the daughters of Anash, and they studied with them through Haraha"ch etc. Mordechai Chefetz hy"d. There is also a letter from my father-in-law, the Rebbe, encouraging and strengthening this practice. However, it is also understood that learning with them does not have to follow the exact order; rather, one should begin with the easier or more practical sections. In fact, according to Shulchan Aruch, a woman is obligated to learn this part of Torah because she is required in all negative commandments and all positive commandments not dependent on time—and therefore also in the six constant mitzvos: belief in G‑d; not believing in anything else; unifying Him; loving Him; fearing Him; and not straying after one's heart and eyes—as enumerated in the introduction to Sefer HaChinuch. All these are attained through knowledge of concepts explained in Chassidus.

With blessings for success in your holy work and personal matters.

P.S. Enclosed is a copy of a general letter published in connection with the bright day of our festival of redemption and soul-liberation—Yud-Tes Kislev just passed—whose content applies all year round. Its message should be explained to the older female students in an appropriate manner.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Tanya may be taught to older female students, drawing on precedent and emphasizing starting with accessible material. He highlights women's obligation to learn relevant Torah concepts for fulfilling mitzvos and encourages clear explanation tailored to their needs.