7930 —הדרכה על מנהגי גזיזת השערות וברכות לאבני דרך משפחתיים

B"H, 20 Kislev, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch havavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Moreinu HaRav Menachem Shmuel Dovid HaLevi shadar

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Your letter from the 12th of Kislev was received, as well as your previous letter with the pan, which I read on the bright day that is our festival of redemption and the salvation of our souls—19 Kislev—at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzukal lehavdil bein chayim lechayim zichro yagen aleinu. Certainly he will arouse mercy for each and every one of those who sent the pan—for all their needs.

Thank you very much for informing me about the health of Haraha"ch havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Moreinu HaRav Schneur Zalman in Bazpalov. It has been a long time since I received any news from him, and your letter has somewhat reassured me at least. May Hashem grant you merit to continue sharing good news speedily.

Regarding your search for an appropriate and suitable apartment in a good neighborhood—certainly you will pursue this with proper energy. May Hashem grant you success.

You mention that on Sunday, the upcoming 26th of Kislev, your son... will turn three years old. May it be Hashem's will that you raise him together with your wife to Torah study, marriage under the chuppah, and good deeds—with abundance and tranquility both materially and spiritually. May Hashem ensure your wife's pregnancy proceeds properly and easily, and she should give birth to a healthy child properly and easily.

Blessings—the one awaiting good news.
M. Schneersohn

P.S. I have not heard of any special customs for the day of hair-cutting (upsherenish). Here is an excerpt from a letter by my revered father-in-law regarding this: "... Regarding cutting the hair—upsherenish—it is a significant matter in Jewish custom; its main point is in educating to leave the peyos (side locks) of the head. From the day of cutting and leaving peyos on the head, it is customary to be particular about accustoming the child to wearing tzitzis (fringed garment), reciting morning blessings, blessings after meals, and Shema before bed. May Hashem help you raise him to Torah study, marriage under the chuppah, and good deeds with ample livelihood and peace of mind both materially and spiritually."

Summary

The Rebbe highlights the importance of Jewish education beginning with early childhood milestones like upsherenish. He encourages diligence in family matters while blessing for material and spiritual success alongside guidance on meaningful traditions.