7908 —עצה על קבלת עבודה והדרכה לבן ברבנות הצבאית

B"H, 27th of Nissan, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Shmuel Zalmanov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter, for which the answer was delayed for several reasons: A) You describe your situation regarding shechitah, which has recently declined, and that you are now working on a trial basis as a secretary in Aguch in Tel Aviv. You ask my opinion whether to accept this job or wait for something easier. In my view, it is not worthwhile to wait, as time spent without work and activity is wasted. If our people have found you suitable for this position, then on the contrary, you should take it up with enthusiasm and fulfill your role in organizing Anash. Ultimately, this spreads the wellsprings outward, which will surely serve as a vessel for increased success in your personal matters.

B) You write about your son Yechiel Yehudah who has been placed in the military rabbinate and ask my opinion whether he should pursue honor or distinction there. This is very proper and may it be with success. Surely you use your influence on your son to increase the light of "Ner Hashem Nishmas Adam" (the candle of G‑d is the soul of man) within him—especially since through this he can also see fruits among those he influences within the army, where instilling fear of Heaven with great energy and heartfelt words is especially needed. As it is written: "And your camp shall be holy," and as explained regarding the matter of "Eishes Yefas Toar," etc.

Please convey my regards to your son Yechiel Yehudah and give him my blessing: May Hashem grant him to utilize his hidden strengths—his ancestral heritage from Anash—to actualize them and influence all his surroundings with Ner Mitzvah and Torah Or, and with the luminary within Torah—that is Chassidus.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that one should seize opportunities for meaningful work rather than waiting idly, and emphasizes guiding one's children toward spiritual growth and positive influence—especially in challenging environments like the military—through chassidic values.