7272 —הדרכה על מנהגי זיכרון, חינוך, וספירת העומר

B"H, 25 Nissan, 5720.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n his work is the work of Heaven Yitzchak.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Tuesday, which was doubled for good, and as you requested it is being sent without waiting for its turn.

As explained in many places regarding the satisfaction of the soul of the departed, it is understood that one should not do things that would detract, G‑d forbid, from educating several Jewish boys and girls in purity and holiness. On the contrary—one should increase efforts in this area; this will add to their satisfaction and elevation of their souls. Accordingly, regarding your holy work at the institution named after my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe—leader of Israel—and matters for the benefit of their souls that do not interfere with the above, you should include studying Mishnayos in public or at least completing a study session publicly with some explanation suitable for listeners' understanding. Even better if you add a chassidic idea appropriate to their level. Certainly you will be able to recite Kaddish d'Rabbanan afterward. This study can be arranged before or after prayer—in your case—to fulfill the required number of Kaddishes.

It is also proper every weekday before morning prayers to give some coins to charity for the merit of the soul, as well as before Minchah (even if less than the previous amount). All this should be done without making a vow.

You wrote that Maariv is prayed while it is still daylight—there are several reasons for leniency found in halachic works. Especially since you surely recite Shema at its proper time afterward as well as Sefirah; but regarding Sefirah you should make sure to count only after nightfall since it is done quietly. There is hope that perhaps others in your community will follow your example because of this.

As a side note: if as above someone counts Sefirah during daylight on a subsequent day as well, arrange that they count again tomorrow (without a blessing) during Shacharis. Anyway there are those who count both at night and during the day for that day's count...

May Hashem Who repairs breaches among His people Israel bring joy to you and your brother with true happiness and goodness, and may you receive only good news—good that is visible and revealed.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that memorial practices must never come at the expense of children's Torah education. He encourages public Mishnayos study with explanation, regular charity before prayers for departed souls, careful attention to halachic details in counting Sefirah and reciting Kaddish—all done thoughtfully and without vows.