By the Grace of G-d 17th of Adar I, 5733 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I am in receipt of your letter and previous correspondence.

Needless to say, your apprehension lest you offended me by your previous correspondence, is unfounded. I must say, however, that I was saddened by your approach to the subject and especially, by your general attitude, as you will see from the reason why I answered your letters.

The reason is as follows: Every individual is precious, so should be his actions and works. Useless words and useless actions are therefore most regrettable. This is why it pained me to see that you have placed yourself in a position and attitude which makes you insensitive to advice and guidance. Hence, I concluded that my writing to you would be futile and, indeed, might even have an adverse effect by evoking in you an adamancy to stick by your guns, as the saying goes, and not budge from your preconceived notions.

But since this letter is already being written, I must make myself quite clear. The best way to do it is by simple illustration:

A person cannot properly understand the study of algebra, much less higher mathematics, unless he first mastered simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and has learned to apply the elementary arithmetical principles under the guidance of an instructor. Only then can he proceed to algebra, geometry, calculus, etc. However brilliant a mind he may have, it can only help speed his gradual advancement, but cannot help him skip into higher mathematics before mastering simple processes of mathematics.

Similarly in matters relating to Yiddishkeit and Torah outlook. There is only one way of achieving the goal and that is to start from the alphabet, i.e. the basics of Judaism, beginning with Chumash and Rashi, going on to Talmud and Poskim, then the works of our classical philosophers. And all this must be done under the guidance of teachers and mentors who are themselves mentors, having dedicated their lives to the study and experience of Yiddishkeit. Anyone presuming to reverse the order, even if he will base his approach on claims of vision and the like, is simply attempting to run before he has learned to walk. Our G-d-given Torah, the only true source of inspiration, insights, etc., tells us plainly that the way to study it is by Scripture, then going to the Mishnah, Gemara, with all its exegesis. Only after he has mastered all the Scriptural, Talmudic and Rabbinic literature, applying his learning in the daily life, in the fulfillment of all the Mitzvos as are set forth in the Shulchan Aruch, - only then and if he still has time left over, may a Jew entertain any thought as to what else there is for him to do. This has always been the way of all our great luminaries, and there has never been any other way for a Jew to develop himself, find fulfillment and realize his destiny in life.

And to refer to the theme recurring so frequently in your letters - the “End of Days” — surely before thinking about the End of Days, a Jew has to remember the days of old and think about the present and immediate future, spending his time not so much on thinking as on doing - accomplish the tasks on hand, in the daily life and conduct in full accord with the Shulchan Aruch.

There is no further need to belabor the obvious.

May G-d grant that very soon indeed you will discard completely your present attitude and premise that there might be another way - other than the one outlined above — to find a solution to the problems concerning yourself personally and the world at large, and will order your life accordingly, with regular daily shiurim in Torah, observing the daily mitzvos and finding a suitable parnosso. And after the ordering of your life and establishing yourself on the said solid foundation, the opportunity may well present itself to enable you to accomplish things also on a higher level of benefit to the Jewish community at large.

This, as above, is the only solution and final word of our Torah, Toras Emes, which is not subject to change.

With blessing,