6017 —כשרות, הדרכה לגיור, ועמידה איתנה נגד מלעיגים

B"H, 28th of Teves, 5718. Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Shalom Rabkin

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 22nd of Teves. At an auspicious time, all those you wrote about will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal (may his merit protect us), in accordance with the content of your letter. And it is understood that since you are writing about them, our Sages have taught that one who prays for another is answered first; thus, primarily—may the desires of your heart be fulfilled to raise the young circumcised child Ben Tzion shlita, he and his wife and their daughter sheyichyu, to Torah, marriage, and good deeds.

Regarding what you wrote about the young man who wishes to convert: both according to Nigleh (the revealed aspect of Torah) and even more so according to its inner dimension—since you have not dealt with this until now—it is worthwhile to connect them with rabbis who are G‑d-fearing; they will take an interest in this matter and act according to our Torah's guidance.

Regarding what you wrote about the Avrech... What I told him concerning chalav akum (milk from a non-Jew) is based on the well-known story from my revered father-in-law the Rebbe (and I believe it was also printed), that chalav akum arouses doubts in faith. These are the words I told him: if at all times one needed to be careful about this—as is obvious—how much more so for youth in America, especially those studying in institutions where there are mixtures of good and bad influences and "one nation shall strengthen itself over another," and that should suffice as a hint.

Regarding what you wrote about his health: it seems clear to me that it was said explicitly—that he is found at... and only rarely comes home; in any case, it is not within my power to change what was stated clearly. And obviously no one can take upon themselves responsibility to conceal something like this when it arouses doubts in faith.

As for connecting his refraining from using his parents' utensils with this—it is not understood. After all, there are special utensils for dairy foods; therefore this does not affect all utensils or many foods.

On his question whether he should transfer to another yeshivah: the yeshivah you write about has teachers with fear of Heaven and several other matters of kashrus are well arranged there—and certainly also regarding chalav Yisrael. As for his father's concern that tuition will be difficult—surely they can make efforts in this regard since there must be acquaintances in their city who know the administration of that yeshivah.

I will mention him at an auspicious time at the holy resting place for success in his efforts regarding the mechitzah (partition). May it be G‑d's will—in accordance with the foundation of all four sections of Shulchan Aruch (which is why this comes first)—that he should not be embarrassed by scoffers; moreover, he will influence others so they too will not be embarrassed by scoffers—and then these efforts will succeed.

Blessings for good news,
M. Schneersohn

Regarding what you wrote about the Sefer Torah—there is valid testimony from Torah law that it is a decree of Scripture (as is known), that nothing happened except as thanks for G‑d's kindness that nothing happened—it would be appropriate to donate a dollar to Tzedakas Chinuch At HaKodesh.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches us to uphold high standards in kashrus and communal life while remaining steadfast against ridicule. He encourages seeking proper rabbinic guidance for conversion matters and emphasizes communal support and prayer as sources of blessing.