9773 —שיטת לימוד הא ב המסורתית וערכה הנצחי

B"H, 17 Cheshvan, 5730.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Mr. Chaim Tzuri, Netanya, Emek Hefer 4

Shalom u'Vrachah!

By instruction of my honored master the Rebbe shlita, I hereby acknowledge receipt of your letter from Wednesday, Tishrei 4th. Please accept my apologies for the delay due to many preoccupations, especially during the holidays in between.

In response to what you wrote regarding teaching the Alef-Beis with the traditional method—in your words, "the method accepted in cheder"—first of all, this involves two matters: (a) The method itself—teaching children the Alef-Beis by reading the names of the letters (Alef, Beis, etc.) in order and also teaching the vowels by their names and their combination with letters in an organized sequence. (b) The manner of instruction in this method—that is, the pedagogy—which is a unique skill. One must know how to use even the best method properly; two people may use a certain method and one succeeds while another does not or less so. If one does not succeed with a certain method, it does not reflect on the method itself; one must determine if he knows how to use it correctly and actually does so.

Regarding point (a)—the foundation of teaching according to the order of Alef-Beis is well-established in holiness as is well known and publicized; this is not the place to elaborate further. Surely you can find all sources for this. Not only is it forbidden to abandon this method; anyone who undermines it greatly damages instilling a sense of holiness in a child's soul. Therefore—even if one would claim (though reality does not bear this out) that learning in this way is less interesting compared to modern methods—this does not justify abandoning the sacred approach for a new one whose gain comes at too great a loss.

In truth, reflecting on our Sages' words: "Istakel b'Oraysa u'vara alma" (He looked into Torah and created the world) and "Deracheha darchei noam" (Her ways are ways of pleasantness), it is clear that if only proper use is made of this teaching approach according to our holy Torah's guidance, success will come not only in matters of holiness connected with this method but also simply in learning itself and in the child's progress.

Experience has shown that teachers who have specialized in methods for beginning reading have found that specifically this traditional approach yields the best results. For example: I know of several teacher-training institutions in Europe and America where—in teaching pedagogy for beginning reading—they preferred traditional Alef-Beis instruction over all other methods; though naturally, mastery of how to use it is required.

In light of all above—not only should this approach not be replaced; teachers using it should be encouraged. Those who struggle with it should be referred to experts who combine fear of Heaven with expertise in guiding such teachers on how best to teach their students using this approach.

We are confident that you—as an educational supervisor appointed by Israel's Ministry of Education for religious schools—will reflect further on all above and help as much as possible yourself as well; thus being among those who bring merit to many—a merit that is very great and everlasting.

Thank you for your interest in Chabad institutions.

With hope for good news and with blessings for success always,
Rabbi Ch.M.A. Chadakov

Summary

The letter stresses that teaching Alef-Beis traditionally roots children in holiness and supports their spiritual growth; educators should master and uphold this sacred approach rather than replace it with modern alternatives.