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Meir Mattisyahu HaLevi was a correspondent from London who sought guidance from the Lubavitcher Rebbe regarding educational and communal practices, as reflected in his letter to the Rebbe in 5715 (1954).
In a letter dated 26 Kislev, 5715, the Rebbe responded to Meir Mattisyahu HaLevi's proposal concerning the use of Hebrew script for writing the spoken language in communal settings. HaLevi had suggested instituting the practice of writing the vernacular using Hebrew (Ashurit) script, drawing parallels to historical precedents such as the use of Ashurit script for Arabic in the times of Rav Saadya Gaon and Rambam.
The Rebbe clarified that, historically, these figures did not actually use Ashurit script for such purposes, and even works like Yad HaChazakah were intentionally written in a script distinct from Ashurit, reserving Ashurit for sacred contexts. The Rebbe further explained that only in recent generations has it become common to use block Hebrew letters for all matters, both sacred and mundane.
The Rebbe respectfully disagreed with HaLevi's suggestion, emphasizing the importance of making Torah and mitzvah observance as accessible as possible. He argued that requiring people to learn a new script would create unnecessary obstacles, and that it is preferable to use whatever means are most effective for disseminating Torah knowledge and inspiring mitzvah observance, even if that means using English letters.
In his letter, the Rebbe also encouraged HaLevi to continue promoting the daily study practices instituted by the Previous Rebbe: reciting a daily portion of Tehillim after morning prayers, studying the weekly Chumash with Rashi according to the daily division, and learning a daily portion of Tanya. The Rebbe blessed HaLevi with success in his efforts and praised the merit of those who energetically engage in spreading Torah and mitzvot within their communities.