Igrot Kodesh · Letter 898 — Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem,

22 Shevat 5711,

Brooklyn,

To the chassid* who fears Hashem and devotes himself

to communal needs, Rav M. Torn,

Greetings and blessing,

You sent me a report on the educational situation in Pernwald[1], and I had written to you about it. I therefore wish to inform you that I have just received a note from the Joint[2] in Paris, telling me of the progress that has taken place in this matter.

According to that organization, a series of improvements has been introduced. It has been agreed that the Bible should be taught only by teachers with a positive view of religion, that the children cover their heads during religion and Bible classes, and that boys and girls be separated.

This note also indicates that a specific budget has been granted to the rabbinate of Pernwald to operate the mikveh* and ensure the kashrus* of the hospitals. The food card, which last year was 5 for religion teachers, has been raised to 12 this year. The Joint was able to obtain that the authorities also cover the salaries of the religion teachers, and that the funds devoted to rabbis and religious needs be increased.

In light of all these elements, the note concludes that the complaints recorded can no longer be considered as a criticism of this program, but rather as the expression of a desire on the part of a certain group to create its own program.

I would like to know what the current situation is and to what extent the aforementioned improvements are actually in effect.

With my blessing, and greetings to your entire community,

Menachem Schneerson,

Notes

[1] One of the camps opened after the war to receive refugees.

[2] Managing the funds, coming from the United States, for refugee aid.