Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8315 — Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem,

28 Teves* 5722,

Brooklyn,

To Mrs. Rachel (note 1: Mrs. R. Zamir, of Tel Aviv. See, regarding her, letter no. 8455),

I bless you and greet you,

After an interruption, I have duly received your letter of the conclusion of Shabbos* 24 Teves*, presenting to me briefly your activities, since your last letter. Of course, I was particularly satisfied to learn of the success that the kindergarten is experiencing. I have good hope that one is also acting in order to increase the number of little boys and little girls who attend it. Without a doubt, there are surely new residents, among the recent immigrants, in the neighborhood where this kindergarten is located.

One must adopt a positive conclusion and you mention, at the end of your letter, the teaching you deliver to women belonging to the Oriental communities. This is particularly important for they are confronted with a particular problem. Before their arrival in the Holy Land, may it be restored and rebuilt, their life was based on the respect due to the father, then to the husband, without hesitation, without it even being conceivable not to obey. Then, suddenly, they arrived in a context... (note 2: Whose values run contrary to these). One therefore does not listen and one advocates independence, not only in relation to the physical father and husband, but also... (note 3: In relation to Hashem). It is therefore necessary, as quickly as possible, to make known to them the truth, to tell them that, in the place where they currently find themselves, the Torah* and the Mitzvos* preserve all their value. Moreover, they are in "the land upon which the eyes of Hashem are always turned, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year" and "in the palace of the King." Independence must therefore take the form of an addition to that which concerns Judaism, to its values, to the influence they exert in this domain on their husband, their children and the conduct of their home.

Of course, the terms must be chosen according to the understanding and the level of knowledge of the various circles to which these women belong. Nevertheless, this same message must be transmitted to all, the most observant as well as... (note 4: The most distant). Happy is the portion of whoever will intervene, in this matter. And, we have been given the assurance (note 5: In tractate Yoma* 38b) that "one comes to the aid of the one who wishes to purify himself." With my blessing to give good news of all of this, as well as of what concerns you personally,

I have duly received your request for a blessing, on the occasion of 10 Shevat* (note 6: Hilloula* of the previous Rebbe*),