9138 —אמוץ, שיקולים הלכתיים, והתנהגות הורים

B"H, 20 Iyar, 5726. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Sunday, in which you write about the issue of adopting children from Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt and established), and whether you should travel there regarding this matter to clarify details and conduct negotiations, etc.

Regarding adoption in general: From the outset one must consider the difficulties involved according to our holy Torah as explained in Shulchan Aruch—especially since an adopted child does not have the same status as a biological son or daughter. Therefore, matters such as hugging, kissing, and seclusion—which are permitted between a father and daughter or mother and son—do not have this allowance regarding an adopted child. It is clear how difficult it is to be careful with this when raising and educating the child in a way that he or she does not feel they are not a biological child.

Therefore, one should only consider adopting a child after taking all of the above into account and making a firm decision to act with the child according to the guidance of our holy Torah—the Torah of life. If she and her husband decide accordingly, and it seems likely that if one of them visits Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt and established) they will succeed in receiving the child (or girl), then may they travel at an auspicious and successful time.

As you requested, this letter is being sent without waiting for its turn. Printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 39 p. 197, completed according to a copy. Regarding adoption: see also above vol. 23 letter no. 8598 and those referenced in the notes there.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that adoption requires careful consideration of halachic distinctions between adopted and biological children. Parents must commit to following Torah guidance in all aspects of conduct before proceeding with adoption.