Language of Learning and Spiritual Growth

Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 15, letter number 5,444. Baruch Hashem, the 13th of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. Shalom u’vracha.

The Rebbe writes that after a long interruption he received the letter from Friday, ערב שבת קודש, together with what was enclosed. He then responds to the writer’s question: should he insist that the study with his son be specifically in Yiddish and not in English?

The Rebbe answers that since the writer and his wife, תחי׳, know Yiddish, and the hours that the son studies in cheder are unfortunately very limited, as is common in that country, it is proper that training the child to speak Yiddish and understand it should be the responsibility of the parents at home.

However, in cheder, until the child becomes accustomed to Yiddish, he should learn in the language in which he is more comfortable, namely English, so that he can acquire more knowledge.

The Rebbe’s guidance is that the primary concern during the limited school hours is that the child should understand well and learn as much as possible. Therefore, if English presently allows him to absorb more effectively, he should continue learning in English for the time being.

At the same time, the home should become the place where he develops fluency in Yiddish. Through the efforts of his father and mother, he will gradually become comfortable with the language.

The Rebbe then adds that surely the writer will utilize the auspicious day of the yahrtzeit and הילולא of רבי שמעון בר יוחאי to the fullest extent possible in spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus and strengthening Yiddishkeit in general.

The Rebbe also notes the birthday of the writer’s son, שיחי׳, and blesses him that it should be a year of success in matters of Yiras Shamayim, and in diligent and devoted study of our Torah, Toras Chayim.

The Rebbe concludes with a blessing that the parents should receive abundant Chassidishe nachas from him and from all their descendants, with blessings in the name of the Rebbe.

The practical message is clear: language is important, but understanding comes first. The child should learn where he can grow best, while the parents build his language and identity in the home.

Summary – The Rebbe teaches that education must be practical and purposeful. Use the language that helps a child learn most effectively, while the home provides the deeper culture, values, and language that shape lasting identity.