6900 —הארכת השהות בארץ ישראל ואיסור נסיעה באניה בשבת

B"H, 20 Sivan, 5719.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After the longest break, your letter from the 15th of Sivan was received, in which you write that in another month you wish to return to... And even though it seems you are not seeking advice on this, nevertheless I take this opportunity to suggest that in my opinion, if possible, it would be very worthwhile for you to continue your stay in Eretz HaKodesh at least for a few more months—approximately until the period of Pesach or at least until the month of Shevat, when, it seems, a new academic term begins at....

During these months you should study in a yeshiva where only Torah subjects are learned all day. Most importantly, strive to be truly immersed in it—that is, to be in the yeshiva atmosphere all day long. These years—specifically at your age—are the most crucial for shaping a person's character for his entire life.

Additionally—and this is also extremely important—for establishing and fortifying yourself against the winds blowing through the world today; specifically in our era there are several unusual and rather forceful influences. This is clear.

Even though I understand the value and importance of the role you wish to fill at..., working in traditional education, a more thorough preparation as described above will certainly pay off many times over—increasing your effectiveness and benefiting yourself as well.

It is surely unnecessary to emphasize that educational influence depends less on a teacher's knowledge than on his worldview and dedication to his role as educator and guide. In these very points, the influence of a yeshiva environment—especially one imbued with chassidic light and warmth—is most significant.

Regarding what you wrote about traveling by Israeli ship on Shabbos—it is astonishing that there could be any doubt about this. As I wrote in my letter (which seems from its style that you are familiar with), this matter is clearly forbidden. I also wrote that one should not rely on anyone's testimony but rather demand from the captain and engineers' logs on modern ships—which record every detail of what happens on board—and anyone can see that the ship operates through labors forbidden on Shabbos according to all opinions. Surely you know as well that regarding this main point none of those who wish to permit such travel have answered.

Moreover, no answer is needed—just make copies of these logs from ships in Eretz Yisrael and publicize them; then all doubts will disappear. Furthermore, you yourself can verify this if you know someone among the crew—provided they show you the genuine logbook and not a forged one.

As I wrote previously—it is shocking how public this Shabbos desecration has become: it takes place openly before hundreds of passengers with maximum publicity—the departure and arrival times are printed in newspapers—and it is done under the name of all Israel as if they own these ships.

You wrote that you cannot intervene; surely even you realize this is no explanation or justification whatsoever for public Shabbos desecration without any absolute compulsion. Especially since there have already been cases where those who refused to desecrate Shabbos pressed and succeeded so their journey was conducted according to our Torah of life.

I have already written and quoted our Sages (Shabbos 119b) that Shabbos desecration destroyed Jerusalem. There is no need to elaborate further on such a painful matter.

I await good news regarding all the above.

Summary

The Rebbe emphasizes staying longer immersed in Torah study within Eretz Yisrael for personal growth and spiritual fortitude. He also firmly prohibits traveling by ship on Shabbos due to clear halachic violations and urges strong personal responsibility regarding public observance.