5100 —עידוד למאמצים חינוכיים במלבורן

B"H, 5 Shevat, 5717. Brooklyn.

Havac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Shmuel Betzalel Althaus

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 14th of Teves, and it is obvious that there is no need to apologize for writing about matters concerning Beis Rivkah. On the contrary, one must know the situation as it truly is, and it is always preferable to receive information as it is and from friends—especially since, in the end, news about shortcomings arrives here anyway from outsiders or from those who are not yet friends or close ones, which also expresses itself in their exaggerated writing about these matters.

Regarding the actual question: now is a time when one must seize every opportunity, especially in matters of education. Even when these efforts are sometimes connected with expenses for which it is not immediately clear how they will be covered—when it comes to money, one eventually finds a solution, even if that solution comes months later. It is simply 'inconvenient' to be in debt for months; however, if one neglects even momentarily the education of students (boys and girls), they do not wait—they go off in a direction that does not always bring satisfaction. I hope that Anash will increase their attention to all these matters that Divine Providence has given them to accomplish in Melbourne specifically and Australia generally—and especially regarding education as above.

If these things are done with joy—which naturally reduces melancholy—and also from Above one is given reasons to be joyful, as is known from the holy Zohar on this matter and as is known from the saying of my father-in-law, the Rebbe: when a soldier marches in a parade with a victory march, this itself increases and hastens the victory.

Based on the above, it is also understood that regarding children in general: as long as they are engaged in learning, one must utilize their time to the fullest extent possible. For if there arises any reason for them to stop learning, it becomes very difficult afterward to bring them back to study—and who can say that they will return with diligence as well? This should be clear.

Regarding what you write about a shadar (emissary) from Toharas HaTzvi D'Lod in Australia: I believe I have already written my opinion on this same matter—that all three parties should join together: Anash of Australia, Toharas HaTzvi D'Lod, and Merkaz Toharas HaTzvi in America—in order not to confuse each other but only to assist each other.

The merit of the Baal HaHilula (the Rebbe Rashab), director of Toharas HaTzvi and Chabad institutions throughout all corners of the world, will stand by you for good news regarding all that was mentioned above.

Blessings for expanded livelihood and good tidings soon and with joy according to the custom of Nikolayev and its people since then.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that educational work must proceed energetically despite financial worries; unity among institutions strengthens success. Acting with joy both uplifts spirits and brings blessings from Above.