4464 —נסיעה עם ילדים קטנים והקשבה להדרכת התורה

B"H, 19 Sivan, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from 11 Sivan, in which you write about visiting together with your children, may they live, in Eretz HaKodesh. It is somewhat surprising, as it seems that the opinion of doctors is that until a child is a full year old, one should not move him outside the country or to a place where the air and water are different, especially since the city you are in reportedly has good and pleasant climate without major changes week to week or even season to season—which is not always the case elsewhere, especially in autumn and winter.

You have surely heard about the answer of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, to someone who asked him regarding his timber business. After receiving an answer from my father-in-law that concluded with a suggestion regarding fulfilling mitzvos practically and beautifully, the questioner began making various excuses because he did not want to turn down my father-in-law directly. My father-in-law said to him: "See this wonder! Surely even in your opinion I am much more of an expert in matters of Judaism—Torah and mitzvos—than in timber business. Especially since it is well known that I have dedicated many years of my life to Torah and mitzvos and Jewish way of life; so did my fathers and forefathers all their lives. Yet it seems obvious to you to ask me about timber business and immediately accept my advice in order to put it into practice. But when it comes to something in which you consider me an expert among experts—not only did you not ask me at all about this field, but even after I gave you clear instruction with explanation that this is truly for your benefit—not only spiritually but also materially—it seems obvious to you not to accept it and instead look for polite ways to avoid the whole matter."

The lesson from all this is surely understood and needs no elaboration...

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above,

In the name of the Rebbe shlita,
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that just as we seek expert advice for practical matters and follow it without hesitation, we should value and act upon Torah guidance—especially regarding spiritual well-being—even more so. Trusting Torah counsel brings true benefit both spiritually and materially.