7125 —ההכרח בחינוך טהור וחיזוק הבטחון בשיפור

B"H, 20th of Kislev, 5720.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 12th of Kislev, I will begin with the most perplexing matter in it, section four, regarding the continuation of the project [even though there is some merit since this section begins with the words "improper thoughts," meaning he invalidated them from the outset; however, the question remains even about this initial assumption]. Certainly, it is unnecessary to elaborate on the simple matter of how essential and vital it is for every educational institution that wishes to be pure and holy—and even more so as this necessity continues to increase and grow. However, it is also understood and obvious that together with this, one must strive not only not to diminish but rather to increase the institution—first and foremost in quantity, and from quantity will eventually come an increase in quality as is customary among Israel. Regarding such matters, we have our Sages' teaching: "You have labored and found," especially since recognition of the necessity for religious education continues to spread.

Now to section one of your letter regarding your speech situation etc., which is also connected to the above response. I mean: surely you kept a copy of your letters here about your speech and your mood at that time—to the point where you felt as if G‑d forbid all was lost etc.—and even then you wrote down similar thoughts. Now you see that things are much better than you imagined; if only you had then been strong in your trust, improvement would have progressed further and been greater. We do not cry over the past except regarding what can be improved for the future—and regarding section four of your letter.

It would be appropriate for you to speak with Anash who also interact with those offices you mention; perhaps they can advise you regarding efforts to advance matters.

I hope that with pleasant words and illuminating letters—without any intimidation whatsoever—you will explain to your wife (may she live) that she should completely dismiss those improper thoughts mentioned in your letter. Especially since her actions were mentioned when she requested success for her medical treatment and healing.

Until now I have refrained from commenting on what follows below, but I do not see myself permitted to avoid writing about it now. In your previous letter you mentioned almost incidentally that your son (may he live) studies at a certain institution. Although I am not familiar with the learning conditions at that institution you mention, certainly—as is well known—one can always add good. There are several educational institutions for his age group in Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt), where only sacred studies imbued with awe of Heaven are taught; among them are also those imbued with love of Hashem—that is, Chassidic ones. Seemingly every activist in education must first show by example that one should not settle for partial or fractional education—especially considering outside influences etc., which is self-understood. This is like the legal distinction between something moist enough to moisten others versus merely moist.

I hope that on the auspicious day of Yud-Tes Kislev you gathered in a fitting environment—that is, what you wrote about plans for Yud-Tes Kislev was realized practically and most importantly left an impression throughout the year. For this day is Rosh Hashanah for Chassidus (as known from Iggeres HaKodesh by Admor Maharashab z"l printed in Hayom Yom for Yud-Tes Kislev), and it is known why it says "Rosh" (head) rather than "beginning," because from it flows influence to all days of the year—just as influence flows from the head to all limbs.

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above.

Summary

This letter teaches us about prioritizing purity and growth in education while maintaining unwavering trust in improvement. It encourages seeking advice from peers, supporting loved ones positively, and drawing ongoing inspiration from significant spiritual milestones like Yud-Tes Kislev.