Igrot Kodesh · Letter 4519 — Faith & Bitachon

B"H

9 Tammuz 5716

Brooklyn

I greet you and bless you.

I am responding to your letter, which was undated. You tell me that in your childhood you were a friend of a young orphan. Subsequently, you separated and he himself moved away from the Orthodox milieu in which he was raised and grew up. You have learned that he currently moves in a milieu far removed from observance, and you wonder how to exercise a positive influence upon him.

I am surprised that you can write all of this calmly, when it concerns saving a Jewish neshamah*, opening for it access to the World to Come and also to this world. There is no need to explain the importance of such an accomplishment.

It is therefore quite obvious that you must, as quickly as possible, begin to exercise this influence in the most effective manner. From this standpoint, of course, not all people and not all situations are identical. Nevertheless, if you gather counsel from those who are on the spot and know the details of his situation, you will find a solution and you will put into practice the words of the verse: "Salvation is obtained through many counselors." Of course, it is preferable and even indispensable to do so as quickly as possible.

Every moment lost cannot be recovered, and you know the ruling of our holy Torah according to which a person must consider that he himself, as well as the entire world, is on a balanced scale. A positive accomplishment can tip his scale and that of the world at the same time toward the side of good. A brief reflection suffices to conclude that this can happen in a single instant. Yet, for some reason, you delay this action.

One's hair stands on end when one thinks of what results from this delay. It is surely unnecessary to say more, and may Hashem grant, as I said, that you begin to act immediately — that you take at least one step in this direction. You will then know success.

You are surely aware of the three daily studies that concern everyone, instituted by my father-in-law, the Rebbe, whose merit protects us. These concern the Chumash*, Tehillim*, and Tanya*, and are well known. You will observe them, at least from now on.

With my blessing,

For the Rebbe Shlita*,

the secretary,

---

9 Tammuz 5716

18 June 1956

To the Chief Rabbi (see note 1) Herzog (see note 2),

Yerushalayim

Certain circles are disseminating alarming information according to which the Chief Rabbinate of Eretz Yisroel has authorized travel by Israeli ship (see note 3), whose sailors are Jewish and which will, of course, travel during Shabbos*.

Based on this position, several young Shabbos-observant Americans intend to undertake a voyage on such a ship next Friday. No doubt you will take all the necessary measures while there is still time.

With my respects and my blessing,

Menachem Schneerson

Notes:

(1) Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel.

(2) See, regarding him, letter no. 4306.

(3) See, on this subject, letter no. 4555.

ד'תקיט*

[ט' תמוז, תשט " ז ]

יוני 18, 1956

רב ראשי הרצוג

ירושלים

חוגים ידועים מפרסמים שמועה מבהילה, שהרבנות הראשית בארץ ישראל התירה נסיעה באניה ישראלית שמלחיה יהודים וחזקתה וברור שתיסע גם בשבת. על סמך זה רוצים אחדים מהנוער האמריקני שומרי שבת להפליג באניה כזאת בערב שבת הבע"ל.

בטח כהדר"ג יאחז באמצעים המתאימים בעוד מועד.

בכבוד ובברכה,

מנחם שניאורסאהן
ד'תקיט*
רב ראשי הרצוג : אגרות נוספות אליו - לעיל ד'שו, ובהנסמן בהערות שם.

נסיעה באניה ישראלית : בהמשך לזה - לקמן אגרת ד'תקנה.