6172 —חינוך צעד אחר צעד ועבודת השם בשמחה

B"H, 9 Nissan 5718.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b-tzt"z Yaakov Yosef

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 3rd of Nissan, regarding the Avrech... You are doing well by educating him step by step, as it is already stated regarding the conquest of the physical Eretz Yisrael—which also teaches us about honoring Eretz Yisrael spiritually—'Me'at me'at agarsheinu' (little by little I will drive them out). You did not mention whether the above understands Yiddish; if so, you should certainly give him printed materials (the Tanya in Yiddish and also some talks in Yiddish), which may help him in his matters.

From what was said, it is understood that in those matters where there is a great doubt and it is almost certain he will not listen, it is not worthwhile to command him about them or ask him regarding them—so as not to affect his observance of other instructions. Also, since he has a talent for electricity, it is appropriate to find for him a means of livelihood in this field. This is for the reasons you wrote and other reasons as well.

As we approach Pesach, the Festival of our Freedom, which comes upon us and all Israel for good, I hereby express my blessing for a kosher and joyous holiday and for true freedom—freedom from material worries and spiritual worries—from anything that hinders serving Hashem with joy and gladness of heart. May this freedom and joy continue throughout the entire year.

Especially since serving Hashem, as our Torah of Life commands us, applies to all aspects of a person's life and throughout every day and night—as it says: 'Bechol derachecha da'eihu' (In all your ways know Him).

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that education should proceed gradually according to each person's capacity. He stresses serving Hashem with joy in every aspect of life and wishes blessings for true freedom—both materially and spiritually—especially during Pesach.