By the Grace of G-d16th of Marcheshvan, 5727Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I am in receipt of your letter of October 18th, in which you write chapter headings of yourself, especially about the many years since our meeting.

Needless to say, I read your letter with deep interest. I was particularly gratified to note your hopes and aspirations in regard to the education and upbringing of your children on the foundations of the Torah and Mitzvoth. It is well known that the true feelings and attitudes of parents are often more nearly reflected in the way they shape and mold their children's lives that they are exemplified in their own lives. I can see this also from the information which I have received from Rabbi Moshe Feller in regard to your efforts, and those of your wife's, to strengthen and disseminate traditional Yiddishkeit in your environment and community.

With regard to the question of the trial about which you write, insofar as I know, Judges in New York State are almost invariably inclined to give custody of children to the mother. No doubt this is true also in the other states. May G-d grant that your efforts in the natural order of things, coupled with your efforts to attune your daily life more closely to the Torah and Mitzvoth, with complete trust in G-d, whose benevolent Providence extends to everyone individually - should bring the desired results, even more than expected.

As requested, I will remember you and yours in prayer when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of sainted memory, and may G-d grant that you should have good news to report in all the above.

As for the question of tutoring your son in Torah and the Torah way, surely it is unnecessary to emphasize to you that the teaching of children is more effective by example than by precept. They will learn a great deal more from what they see and experience in their home than from any lessons and books. This is true, of course, also of adults but more so in the case of children, who naturally seek to emulate their parent's conduct and ideas.

Specifically, in regard to an actual teaching program, the best thing would be to be guided by Rabbi Feller, who knows you and your children personally, and both he and Mrs. Feller have had a great deal of experience in the matter of Jewish education.

With blessing,

M. Schneerson