By the Grace of G-d 16th of Sivan, 5719 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of the 2nd of Sivan, and, as requested, I am replying to it on a priority basis.

You write about the suggestion and request that you visit your home in South Africa.

Judging by the reports that I have received about you from the Yeshiva Administration in recent months, I was glad to note that you have been making good progress, especially more recently, and at a much greater pace than in past years. Whatever the explanation may be, it is clear, however, that when a person generally, and a young person in particular, is enjoying a period of exceptional progress, it is not advisable to interrupt it, even for a short time. In view of this, it is my definite opinion that this is not the time for you to make a visit at home, although I surely realize how your parents are anxious to see you, and how much you would also like to see them. For, above all, it should be remembered that these are the years which lay the foundation for the whole future life, and the opportunities should not be neglected in any way. Although I do not know your parents personally, I can safely assume that, as Jewish parents in general, they are profoundly interested in your happiness, and they will therefore readily agree to wait a little longer, in order not to jeopardize your future at this time. Surely the greatest happiness of parents is to know that their children are happy and successful in their studies, and that they can be certain of having true Yiddish Nachas from them.

I trust you had an enjoyable and inspiring Shovuoth, the Season of our Receiving the Torah with “joy and inwardness,” and I hope that you will carry this over into your daily life throughout the whole year, which will bring you G-d’s blessings in all your needs.

With blessing, 

By Nissan Mindel