By the Grace of G-d 5th of Nissan, 5719 Brooklyn, N. Y.
27 Linthorpe Road
London N. 16, England
Greeting and Blessing:
I received your letter of Rosh Chodesh Nissan, in which you write about the medical opinion with regard to your son Elijah Eliezer for the removal of his tonsils. In such a case, it is customary to have the opinion of at least two specialists, who should not only agree on the surgery, but also as to the suitable time when that should be done.1
In reply to your question whether you should participate in the purchase of the Lubavitch House in London, it is well-known that there is a great Zechus in participating in such a public effort = צבור, together with many others.
As for your present situation, which, as you write, makes it difficult for you, it is surely possible to pay out in installments. Surely you know that in the case of Tzedoko, G-d has promised that it is a means to riches and has, in fact, challenged everyone to try Him out on this score.
As requested, I will remember you in prayer when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory, and I hope you will have good news to report. Especially as we are now in the month of Geuloh, and may it bring you true liberation from all adversity, so that you can serve G-d with joy and gladness of heart.
Wishing you and yours a Kosher and happy Pesach,
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
The enclosed copy of my message will surely be useful to you in your work.
As for your question in regard to a curriculum of studies with the children of the Talmud Torah and post Bar Mitzvah age, you should discuss this matter with friends who are familiar with the type of children and the educational problems.
* * *
B.H. 8th of Nissan, 5719
I have received a letter from . . . and a copy of my reply is enclosed herewith, which speaks for itself.
Needless to say, it is very regrettable such a misunderstanding accrued through trying to read interpretations into my letters that were not intended.
As for the Shidduch itself, the decision, of course, is up to the two parties directly concerned and they should be guided by their feelings towards each other and mutual understanding about building their home on the foundations of Torah and Mitzvoth.
As indicated in the copy, this letter too is being sent by special delivery.
Notes and sources
Rabbi Aron Dov Sufrin (5690 – 5757) was a pivotal figure in Jewish education and Chabad emissary in the United Kingdom. He served as the Director of Education for the Lubavitch Foundation in London for nearly 40 years, working alongside Rabbi Nachman Sudak and Rabbi Faivish Vogel. In this role, Rabbi Sufrin was instrumental in establishing and overseeing various educational initiatives, including the Lubavitch House Schools and the Camp Gan Israel network of Jewish camps across the UK. For additional letters addressed to him, see letter dated 25 Adar II, 5714, and as referenced there.
1) For more on the Rebbe's advice regarding tonsillectomy see S. B. Wineberg Healthy in Body Mind & Spirit (SIE, 2006), Vol. 2, pp. 9, and 59-60.
Source: Photocopy of Original
Published: Teshura, (Feller, 11 Sivan, 5762).
When G-d Said Challenge Me