By the Grace of G-d7th of Tammuz, 5729Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I have received an inquiry from the Jewish Association of Calcutta, apparently on your recommendation, the nature of which will be evident from the enclosed copy of my reply to them.

I am taking this opportunity to request our office to send you a copy of our recently published volume on the life of the founder of Chabad, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, which I trust you will find of considerable interest.¹

The subject matter of the above inquiry leads me to the main purpose of this letter, namely the progress and future of the former students of our educational institutions in North Africa who are continuing their studies in the Sefardic institution in London, whose official name eludes me at the moment, but I believe it is named after Sir Moses Montefiore. No doubt you are one of its Honorary Officers, as also of the Sefardic community in London. I have received reports that the standard of chinuch in this institution leaves much to be desired, regrettably also in essential aspects. Although the information I received is reliable, I nevertheless would not wish to declare it as completely verified testimony. However, since you are on the spot and no doubt one of the most active directors of the institution, you are surely well informed, or could easily ascertain the actual state of affairs.

On the basis of our acquaintance, I am confident that you will do everything possible to bring up the level of chinuch in this institution to its desired height. Nevertheless, on the basis of the saying of our Sages, “Encourage the energetic,” I am bringing this matter to your attention, all the more so since I feel a personal interest and responsibility in the progress of the former students. Furthermore, since everything is by particular Divine Providence, it is significant that the reports and information referred to above reached me recently and with emphasis on the utmost urgency of the situation.

In light of the above, I am sending this letter special delivery and though I am certain that you will take effective measures to improve the situation, I would be thankful to you to let me know of these developments. I need hardly emphasize to you that insofar as chinuch is concerned, even secondary matters are important, for we are dealing with a young element who will eventually be heads of families, etc., thus every improvement in their chinuch is compounded many times. This is even more important considering a chinuch institution, the graduate of which will be spiritual and religious leaders, so that every improvement in their own training and education will be reflected in their communities at large. How much more so where the improvements needed are not only of a secondary nature but also touch upon essentials.

With personal regards and With blessing,