By the grace of g-d17th of Adar 5718Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and blessing:

I received your letter, in which you ask about certain matters relating to the laws of washing the hands and Tefillin. It is a well-known principle that tradition makes precedent, and, therefore, it would be well for you to consult the elderly Chassidim in Montreal, to find out what their custom is in this connection, and be guided by them.

With regard to the question of where you should continue your studies in the summer, it is a little early yet. But, when the winter term comes closer to its end, you should ask the administration of the Yeshiva in Montreal to write me their opinion, based on your progress in the past, including also the remaining weeks to the end of the term, and then we will consider the question again.

With regard to your asking whether the time has come to talk to your father about observance of the Mitzvoth, I do not think you are in a position to make any decision in this case, since you are away from home. Needless to say, the first attempt should be made in person, and not by correspondence. Therefore, when you will meet with him again, You will then be able to see for yourself whether the time has come for you to talk with your father on this subject . The important thing to remember is that such conversation should not be anything like a debate or argument, but should be a pleasant heart-to-heart talk, avoiding any kind of approach that might irritate your father and call forth an undesirable reaction.

On the question of your desire to buy a pair of Tefillin and a Tallis for your father, you do not mention whether this is a necessity because his present Tefillin and Tallis are inadequate, in accordance with the Law, or whether you simply want to present him with a higher quality of same. If the former is the case, and you think that your father will accept them, you can obtain a loan from our Machne Israel, to be paid out in small sum of $5.00 a month, if you can’t do better than that.

With regard to the question of a Yeshiva in..., inasmuch as you plan to be there for Pesach and you will have an opportunity to meet with the Rabbis and leading Chassidim, you might take the question up with them and then report again.

As for the question of how to make the Shulchan Aruch your master, the answer is simple enough: you must become proficient in the knowledge of the laws concerned with the daily Mitzvoth, and make a habit of fulfilling them, until the good habit will become part of your nature. As you know, one mitzvah brings another mitzvah in its train, and, therefore, your general conduct will have a good effect on it.

Finally, on the question of success in study you surely know the saying of our Sages, “Effort without success -- don’t believe; success without effort -- don’t believe.” in other words, if you make the proper effort, you are bound to succed. At the same time you should consult with your Mashpia as to details involved.

I trust that it is an exaggeration what you write about your lack of success, as you must have surely made some progress, and If you will try hard you will make even greater progress and enjoy a greater success in the future.

With blessing,

By Nissan Mindel