6795 —הערות על ציור השער של הירחון לנוער

B"H, 4th of Nisan, 5719.

Brooklyn.

Mr. M. ben Uri shiyichyeh

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I read your letter from before Rosh Chodesh Nisan with interest, following up on our conversation during your visit. I focused especially on your comments regarding the cover illustration of the youth journal published by Melach (Merkaz LeInyanei Chinuch), which you critique in three points: a) the depiction and arrangement of the two Tablets; b) the depiction and arrangement of the globe; c) the "depiction" of the saying from our Sages that "the world stands on three things—Torah, service, and acts of kindness" through three pillars—and you ask for my comments on these matters.

Let me preface with a point that is surely clear to you as well: this cover has already been published for eighteen years and wherever the journal reaches—meaning in America, Israel, and throughout the Diaspora—it has been widely distributed. This compels us to maintain this cover going forward unless there are compelling reasons to do otherwise that would absolutely negate its current form.

Regarding your first point: When it was decided to publish this journal, it was understood that its inner purpose was to strengthen Judaism and instill it in the hearts of youth by every possible means—not only through reading but also through first impressions from seeing the journal's cover. There are two points here: Judaism and its practical expression—Torah and mitzvah—are the loftiest and most exalted matters in creation. On the other hand, nothing in existence can stand without being founded upon Torah and mitzvah. The clearest symbol for Torah and mitzvah is, naturally, the two Tablets—even those who have received no Jewish education at all recognize them; they too are among those whom this journal addresses.

The illustration emphasizes that these Tablets are above both earth and heaven—which are hard to symbolize clearly except through clouds—so their place is above the clouds. Above them is only the Creator Himself, hinted at by the letters B"H on the cover. Below them is planet Earth; since Matan Torah took place at Mount Sinai, Earth is depicted so that a straight line from those letters through the Tablets would reach that area accordingly. For this reason, these three elements appear diagonally rather than one under another; otherwise, Earth would have to be drawn in a way unfamiliar to youth (i.e., east above and west below). The intent is for viewers not to require any further explanation beyond what they see.

Another reason: if arranged vertically, only part of inhabited lands would appear on the cover—but we wish to emphasize that Torah holds sway everywhere. Thus, it makes sense for the Tablets not to be perfectly upright but slightly tilted so Earth can be beneath them while they remain under B"H.

Regarding your comment about Earth's depiction standing on three pillars—and your question about what these pillars rest upon—it should be clear that your comment relates to a detail in Mishnah itself. On the cover illustration, as in Mishnah Avot's plain meaning, it's understood that Torah, service (avodah), and acts of kindness are not physical pillars but spiritual concepts (though expressed through human action). Everyone knows Torah comes from its Giver—no explanation needed. The Mishnah uses "the world stands" language common both for physical standing on pillars and spiritual meaning; none of Mishnah Avot's many commentators raise this question about what supports these pillars.

Similarly with our cover illustration—there is no room for confusion here either.

You suggest replacing this depiction with one based on three dimensions—length, width, depth (coordinates)—each representing one pillar from Mishnah Avot. However: dimensions can be represented in many ways—not just length/width/depth but also spherical dimensions etc.—as long as there are three independent ones (as explained at length in geometry). Moreover, some systems add even more dimensions such as time or others (as discussed in mathematics). The whole point of dimensions is that something measurable exists within them—they define its place or limit it—not that they exist above it.

Of course all this is just an additional comment beyond my main point: such an idea does not belong on a youth journal's cover since there are various levels among readers regarding knowledge of natural sciences—and most will not understand such an illustration at all—even those from high schools let alone younger students. As mentioned earlier—the goal is for what’s conveyed by illustration to require no further explanation; if it does need more explanation then it’s flawed or lacking.

Following our Sages’ principle "Et vahev besufah," I hope you will not take offense at these comments—they were only meant to clarify matters rather than as criticism etc.

With respect and blessings for a kosher and joyous Pesach holiday.

Summary

The Rebbe explains how each element of a visual design should communicate its message clearly without requiring extra explanation so all audiences—including those less familiar with Jewish concepts—can understand its meaning directly.