By the Grace of G-d Chanukah, 5725 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

After some interval, your letter of the 22nd of Kislev duly reached me.

Your question about saying Tehillim is rather surprising, for the need to say Tehillim is obvious from the "preface" printed in practically every Book of Tehillim, especially the Tehillim published by Kehoth, based on the Shaloh and other Kadmonim, as well as several letters by my father-in-law of saintly memory.

With regard to your question relating to influencing other boys, it is again surprising that you should have any doubts about it, inasmuch as it is a well-known Mitzvas Asseh in the Torah – V’Ohavto L’Reacho Komocho.¹ For, what kind of a love is it if one does not help one’s friend in such a vital matter as the observance of the Torah and Mitzvoth? A Yeshiva boy, more than anyone else, should realize how vital the Tora and Mitzvoth are to every Jew. Moreover, the Mitzvo of V'Ohavto L’Reacho Komocho is not an ordinary Mitzvo, but, as Rabbi Akivo declared² it is the Great Principle of the Torah. You also surely know what the Gemmorah³ tells about Hillel, who taught that the principle of "What is hateful unto you, do not do unto your friend" is the whole Torah, and all the rest is but commentary. Imagine if you, G-d forbid, were in a situation where you needed this help, and your friends would refuse help you because they wanted to improve only themselves instead. I am sure you will find some of Anash who could further explain to you this matter.

As requested, I will remember you and the others mentioned in your letter in prayer, and may you have good news to report about all above.

Wishing you an inspiring and happy Chanukah

With blessing

By Nissan Mindel