Friedrich - Yaakov Eliezer

פרידריך - יעקב אליעזר

Yaakov Eliezer Friedrich (Torah Educator, Antwerp)

Yaakov Eliezer Friedrich was an active Torah educator in Antwerp, Belgium, who corresponded with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. His work focused on teaching Torah and Jewish law to diverse groups, including women, and he was recognized by the Rebbe for his dedication to education "on the purity of holiness" in various circles.

Correspondence with the Rebbe

The letters from the Rebbe to Yaakov Eliezer Friedrich reflect a warm, encouraging, and guiding relationship. The Rebbe expressed satisfaction upon learning that Friedrich was teaching Torah classes for women and urged him to expand these efforts. He advised that the classes include practical topics related to daily Jewish law and custom, emphasizing the importance of action alongside study, as taught by the Sages: “Not study is the main thing, but action is the main thing.” The Rebbe also suggested making the classes more interactive by inviting questions, thereby fostering greater engagement and connection among the participants.

In subsequent correspondence, the Rebbe noted the absence of recent letters from Friedrich but assumed his continued involvement in holy educational work. The Rebbe highlighted the unique merit of teaching Torah to others, especially those less knowledgeable, quoting the Talmudic teaching that “greater is one who teaches his own son Torah, but even greater is one who teaches another’s son Torah, and greatest of all is one who teaches the son of an am ha’aretz Torah.”

Guidance and Encouragement

The Rebbe encouraged Friedrich to prepare and participate personally in farbrengens (Chassidic gatherings) for Yud Tes Kislev, the day marking the liberation of the Alter Rebbe. He stressed the importance of using these gatherings to inspire good resolutions for the year and assured Friedrich that even a small effort in spiritual matters would be met with great Divine assistance, referencing the teaching: “When one opens even as much as the eye of a needle, the Holy One Blessed be He opens like the entrance to a hall.”

Throughout the correspondence, the Rebbe’s tone is one of encouragement, blessing, and high regard for Friedrich’s dedication to Torah education and communal involvement.

Shiurim in this topic
2697. Encouraging Questions and Participation in Women's Torah Classes עידוד שאלות והשתתפות בשיעורי תורה לנשים
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3084. Encouragement for Education and Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen עידוד לחינוך והתועדות י"ט כסלו
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3088. Encouragement for Torah Education and Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen עידוד לחינוך תורה ולהתועדות י"ט כסלו
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