4109 —לימוד תורה בעל פה ומספר בגיל שלוש

B"H, 12 Shevat, 5716. Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Yaakov ben Tzion

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...Regarding what you wrote about your son Baruch Boaz shlita. See the beginning of Hilchos Talmud Torah by our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe, which is based on the glosses of the Rema in Yoreh Deah siman 245 and founded on the Midrash Tanchuma: as soon as three years have passed, one must teach the child matters that are written (in scripture), in addition to what he is taught orally from when he begins to speak, as is well known from our Sages. With this, the question raised in the commentaries of the Gra there, subparagraph 19, is simply resolved; I do not understand his discussion, etc.

Regarding what you wrote about the vavac"h etc. ... which books to instruct him to learn: since you know him personally and face-to-face, you can surely estimate accordingly and instruct him; and as it appears from your above letter, he will accept your guidance willingly.

May it be G‑d's will that you succeed in this as well—even though he is at a distance—along with your efforts for those who are close by. The measure of the Holy One, blessed be He, is measure for measure; but still, increase your efforts to multiply heavenly assistance regarding yourself both in spiritual and material matters.

With blessing for good news in all of the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that children should be taught Torah orally as soon as they can speak and from a sefer at age three. He encourages personalized guidance based on familiarity with the child and emphasizes that sincere effort brings Divine assistance.