Igrot Kodesh · Letter 9639
Volume 26 · Letter 65 · 28 Tévet 5729 · To: Rabbi et daté de l’issue du saint Chabbat Parchat Vaéra.
[28 Tevet* 5729]
In my view[1], it is evident[2] that in no way[2] may one of the holy Names of Hashem be a subject of research for a doctoral dissertation, for sentimental reasons[3]. According to the "dry" Halacha*, such an undertaking would open a breach before all those[2] who will imitate you and ask permission to write a paper[4] on this subject, as well as in many other situations besides.
According to the formulation of our Sages[5], your reward will be greater in withdrawing[2] from this project. For your doctorate, you will choose a completely different subject.
Notes
[1] This letter was written directly on a letter addressed to the Rebbe and dated from the conclusion of the holy Shabbat* Parashat* Vaera.
[2] The Rebbe underlines the words: "evident," "in no way," "all those" and "withdrawing."
[3] Such an idea must, in itself, provoke rejection.
[4] In English in the original text, "paper," the rest of the letter being in Hebrew.
[5] In tractate Pesachim* 22b.
ט'תרלט
[כ"ח טבת, ה'תשכ"ט]
לדעתי פשוט , אשר בשום אופן אין לעשות (אחד מ)שמות הקדושים נושא לעבודת דוקטורַט – מטעמים שברגש, שבהלכה "יבשה", פריצת גדר לכל הבאים אחריו לבקש היתר לכתוב paper ע"ד נושא זה וכיו"ב ועוד ועוד.
– ובלשון חז"ל: שכרו של מר גדול יהי' על הפרישה מנושא זה לדוקטורַט שלו ויבחר בנושא מסוג אחר לגמרי.