6849 —זמן התספורת, הדלקת נרות לבנות, וסידור לחם משנה

B"H, 6 Iyar, 5719. Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Pesach

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Tiferes Sheb'Tiferes.

a) Regarding your son Yaakov Peretz, who will turn three on Thursday in the coming Menachem Av (may it come soon), and you ask when to do the upsherin (haircut): Based on the words of my father-in-law the Rebbe zatzal at various times, it appears that one should not cut the boy's hair before he completes three years. On the other hand, since his birthday is at the beginning of Menachem Av—if, G‑d forbid, by then the coming of our righteous Moshiach is delayed—you should do the upsherin after Tisha B'Av. May it be in a good and auspicious hour.

b) Candle lighting by girls: According to the custom in the Rebbe's home and among Anash who know of this practice, girls begin lighting candles once they reach chinuch (the age of education). See also the lesson on chinuch in Shulchan Aruch HaRav Orach Chaim section 263:3. It seems that until marriage they light one candle.

c) The arrangement of lechem mishneh on Friday night and Shabbos day: On Friday night, place them side by side; on Shabbos day, arrange them so that the challah on the right is slightly above the other—but only slightly.

d) For other matters you asked about, consult with elder Anash in your area regarding local customs.

Blessings for good news,

In the name of my father-in-law the Rebbe shlita,
Secretary

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies traditional practices for upsherin timing, girls' candle lighting from chinuch age with one candle until marriage, and proper lechem mishneh arrangement. For additional customs, he encourages seeking guidance from experienced local chassidim.