5741

Blessing and Greeting:

I am in receipt of your (undated) letter, and [in] answer to your questions, some introductory remarks are called for:

Every person is endowed by G-d with the capacity to cope with the problems one encounters in life, since G-d is the Creator of mankind and Master of the world, both the greater world and also the “small world” of every individual.

Included in the above is the capability of a person to begin a new life, regardless of how it was in the past, provided there is the will and determination to do so. Of course, such a change may be easier for one individual and more difficult for another, but the capacity is there.

Our Torah, Torat Chaim, assures us that “Nothing stands in the way of teshuvah."¹ Needless to say, teshuvah must be true and sincere, and actually implemented, but - as noted above -everyone, without exception, has been given the ability to do it.

It is understandable that, having created mankind, and knowing that it would be [im]possible for people to find the true way of life on their own, He provided for all mankind, and for Jews in particular, a guide-the Torah, called Torah Ohr and Torat Chaim-to illuminate one’s everyday life, with clear instructions about what to do and what not to do. And although the Torah is immensely profound in depth and breadth, there are those individuals who dedicate their life to the study of the Torah and can provide general guidance in specific situations. In general, however, the basic instructions of the Torah are condensed into a practical “handbook,” called the Shulchan Aruch, which is also available in an English translation.

In light of the above remarks, my answer to your questions is clear. You can certainly be a full-fledged Jew, which includes being a full-fledged human being. It is mainly a matter of your own will and determination. Moreover, the Torah declares that “One who is determined to purify oneself, receives aid from On High.”² This means, first of all, that one ought to begin with action, namely, ordering the day-to-day life in accordance with the Shulchan Aruch, and when there is a doubt or question, to ask an orthodox rabbi, whose function it is to deal with these. Needless to say, the time to do it is now, for the loss of time is irretrievable. For this reason, this letter is sent to you via special delivery.

With regard to your question about going to college in the fall—it is logical that you should, first of all, order your life in accordance with the Shulchan Aruch, as above, for this would bring about a marked improvement in your general state of mind, and in a relatively short time. Then you will be able to take up the other problems or questions as they arise, in a calmer and happier frame of mind.

With blessing,