By the Grace of G-dErev Purim, 5724Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

This is in reply to your letter, in which you asked my advice concerning the continuation of your studies.

Generally speaking, it is not advisable to change schools in the middle of the term, especially when the greater part of the school year has already passed - unless there are compelling reasons connected with matters of Yiras Shomayim.

With regard to next year, however, the approach should be the same as in all cases and matters of Torah and Kedusha; the more Torah and Yiras Shomayim, the better.

Therefore you should choose that school which is permeated, in the greater degree, with Yiras Hashem and Ahavas Hashem.

At this time, on the eve of Purim, I trust you will remember that women had an important share in the Miracle of Purim. As you know from the Megillah, Esther's role was not a secondary one, but a leading one. This is further emphasized by the fact the Megillah is not named after Mordechai or anyone else, but after Esther exclusively. Every detail in Torah is a teaching in itself, just as "Torah” in general means "instruction." The Alter Rebbe said התורה היא נצחית,¹ therefore its teachings are everlasting and always timely for every Jewish daughter, everywhere and at all times. I trust the festival of Purim will be a great inspiration to you, to follow in the path of the Torah and Mitzvoth even to the extent of מסירת נפש, which really involves no more than מסירת הרצון, for נפש and רצון are synonymous.

Wishing you a happy and inspiring Purim,

With blessing,

M. Schneerson