Igrot Kodesh · Letter 2907 — Faith & Bitachon
Volume 9 · Letter 291
B"H
4 Elul* 5714,
Brooklyn.
Greetings and blessing,
I duly received your letter of 27 Menachem Av. I read with much pleasure that you had the opportunity to exert your influence upon groups of students and young people who are their counselors, which is an indirect means of acting upon those whom they lead.
Nevertheless, I am surprised to find that, among the subjects you taught them, Judaism does not appear. Certainly, there are no textbooks in this area, but Jewish studies are impossible when the foundation is lacking.
Previously, one knew all of this naturally, by attending the synagogue, or even by passing through the street. In our days, however, everything depends on the counselor and the spiritual guide, for the street goes against Jewish practice and the home is conducted sometimes in one fashion and sometimes in another. In any case, one cannot be content with this.
I wish to hope that this was lacking only in your letter and not in practice, that you did indeed teach them Torah. You will write to me at the next opportunity to clarify this. I also hope that you will maintain contact with these groups, that you will strengthen the influence you exert upon them in the domain of Judaism, for such is the purpose of man.
When a man lives, he must receive knowledge of the Torah, and he has a Jewish life when he puts into practice the terms of the verse: "You are attached to Hashem, your Elokim*," and, consequently, "all living today." And, one attaches oneself to Hashem through knowledge of the Torah, through feeling and enthusiasm for Judaism.
I hope that in the books and booklets of Chassidus* that you have at your disposal, you will find the material that will allow you to give them explanations in their language. It is unnecessary to specify to what extent all of this is a great merit.
And, HaKadosh Baruch Hu* acts "measure for measure." He will therefore enable you, together with your wife, to derive much Jewish and Chassidic* satisfaction from all of your children.
With my blessing for success in all that has just been said and in your personal concerns, as well as wishing you to be inscribed and sealed for a good year,