9867 —ברכות פורים, לימוד תורה, וחינוך יהודי לילדים עם צרכים מיוחדים

B"H, 7 Adar II, 5730.

Brooklyn, NY.

To the vavac"h iy"a nu"n one engaged in public needs etc.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Mister Yosef, known as Dr. Burg, Shalom u'Vrachah! As we approach the days of Purim, I take this opportunity to send you Purim greetings and also to express my appreciation for the publications you send me—most recently the booklet "Israel, Jerus. – Conference on Human Needs 19/69-6/16." Since it is an old Jewish custom to offer a comment or suggestion in the form of good advice, I wish to fulfill this custom by expressing my hope that you will continue to publish Torah matters from time to time, as a remembrance of earlier days when you studied in yeshivah. Even though your involvement in public affairs does not assist Torah study and advancement in it, it remains both an obligation and a privilege for every Jew to overcome difficulties—and indeed, "according to the effort is the reward."

May it be G‑d's will that what was fulfilled for the Jews during these days of Purim—"The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor," light meaning Torah etc., honor meaning tefillin—should be fulfilled for each of us within all Israel, both in their deeper sense and in their plain meaning as written.

With respect and blessing.

P.S. For some time now I have intended to write to you about the following matter; several people have reminded me about it, but due to various reasons writing was delayed—better late than never. The matter concerns an educational institution for special needs children from religious homes. Although it seems there are such institutions in Eretz Yisrael (abbreviated as A.K.T.V.), they are not religious—or at least not sufficiently so. While I am not familiar with the planning of the Ministry of Welfare, this would seem to fall within its area of activity. The importance and value of this matter surely require no elaboration or explanation for you; I only wish to recall our Sages' saying: "They only urge those who are already diligent," and "action is paramount." As I have heard, there are several religious doctors and educators in A.K.T.V. whose specialty is precisely this field; meaning there will be no shortage of teachers or doctors—the only thing needed is someone to organize it and provide the necessary resources.

May it be G‑d's will that you bring good news about this as well—and may I hear good news from you soon.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages balancing public service with personal Torah study and highlights the communal responsibility to provide proper Jewish education for all children—including those with special needs—emphasizing action over delay.