6059 —לימוד תורה בלי תנאים

B"H, 17 Shevat, 5718. Brooklyn.

HaAvrech Yosef.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 2nd of Shevat, in which you write about a method to teach halachos (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch) and also Gemara only to those students who commit to eating kosher—apparently intending thereby to compel at least some of them to eat kosher—nonetheless, I do not agree with this approach. The study of Gemara, and even more so the study of halachos on its own, is an ultimate goal and the greatest mitzvah. In our times, only within the walls of an educational institution is there a suitable opportunity to instill Torah and mitzvah knowledge in students (unlike previous generations when such knowledge was absorbed at home or even outside). It follows that any deficiency in this during the years a student is in an educational institution is a distortion that may well be impossible to correct later.

Another reason for my view: the very act of learning halachos and Gemara prepares and brings the learner closer to fulfilling mitzvos—even if he is not yet connected to them. This is based on the Mishnah: "One mitzvah leads to another mitzvah," and our Sages' saying: "The light within it (the Torah) brings him back to good," and this is also understood naturally—when one studies a subject repeatedly, one thinks about it more often and more deeply.

Another reason: a person does not have permission to withhold Torah study from children or even adults. This is clear.

Regarding what you wrote about your prayer text: it is understood that you should follow Nusach Sefard of Eretz Yisrael, as brought in the responsa of later authorities—that one may change from Nusach Ashkenaz to Sefard but not vice versa; their reasons are explained there.

May it be G‑d's will that you increase in Torah and mitzvos imbued with the light of Chassidus, so that you inspire others as well; nothing stands in the way of true will.

Blessings for good news,

In the name of the Lubavitcher Rebbe shlita,
Secretary
Kiyubman.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Torah must be taught without preconditions; its study itself draws Jews closer to observance. No one has permission to withhold Torah from another Jew under any circumstances.