Igrot Kodesh · Letter 6593 — Shidduchim

By the grace of Hashem*,

9 Kislev* 5719,

Brooklyn,

Greetings and blessings,

I am responding to your letter of 11/16, in which I read, with great surprise, that you are no longer a student at the Yeshiva*, although you are only twenty years old. Now, our holy books explain to what extent the study of the Torah* is fundamental throughout the life of a person. How much more so is this the case during the years in which one is not yet obligated to provide for a family. In the well-known expression of the Mishnah*: "If not now, when?" And there will be sufficient time afterward to consider the question of your career. For, in the end, it is indeed Hashem* Who grants the means of subsistence, and He "nourishes the entire world through His goodness, with grace, beneficence, and mercy." Now, Hashem* asks that one study the Torah* and practice the Mitzvos*, and when the time comes to adopt an occupation, one can, until marriage, follow a training for only a few hours per day and spend the rest of the time at the Yeshiva*.

You contemplate learning electronics at home. I do not understand this, for to pursue such studies one must have access to machines and instruments that are only available in a school. But perhaps the word "electronics" was used in error. Your names will be mentioned, at a propitious moment, at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit will protect us. That of your mother will also be mentioned so that she may obtain the fulfillment of her needs. Of course, every addition to the Torah* and the Mitzvos* on the part of each member of the family, and in particular on your part, since it is you who formulate this request, will broaden the blessings of Hashem* in all your needs.

It would be judicious for you to adopt the practice of reading Tehillim*, according to their monthly distribution, every morning after the prayer. Each weekday, also before the prayer, you will give a few cents to Tzedakah*. Likewise, your mother will adopt the positive custom of Jewish women, which consists of giving Tzedakah* before the lighting of the candles on the eve of Shabbos* and of the festivals. With my blessing to convey good news of all this,

For the Rebbe Shlita*,

the secretary,