October 27, 1942
Hon. Philip M. Kleinfeld,1
Supreme Court of the State of N.Y.
Dear Judge Kleinfeld:
Knowing of your keen interest in the activities of my venerable Father-in-Law, the Lubavitcher Rabbi, I take pleasure in sending you herewith the Calendar recently published by the MERKOS L'INYONEI CHINUCH2 which is under the auspices of the Lubavitcher Rabbi.
The Calendar answers a great need, and it is not surprising that it has won universal acclaim. Indeed, it is such ‘a hit’ that we shall shortly publish a second edition of it.3
You might be interested to know that the Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch publishes a variety of useful reading material in English, Hebrew and Yiddish, for students of Talmud Torahs and Jewish schools, and renders other valuable service in the cause of traditional Jewish education, such as creating schools for girls, teacher's courses, Boys' circles - Mesibos Shabbos, etc. A detailed report will be published shortly, and we shall be glad to send it to you.
With all best wishes and kindest personal regards,
I am,
Sincerely yours,
Rabbi M. Schneerson
Chmn., Exec. Comm.
Notes and sources
The above letter is sourced from a secretarial carbon copy bearing archival markings in the Rebbe’s handwriting. This letter was sent on the stationery of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch.
1) Yerucham Fishel (Philip M.) Hakohen Kleinfeld (June 19, 1894 – January 11, 1971) was an American lawyer, judge and politician from New York. He practiced law together with Mr. Samuel Kramer who was a big friend and supporter of Lubavitch (see letter dated November 17, 1949). He greeted the Rebbe Rayatz upon his arrival in America on his first visit (in 1929). He was a member of the New York State Senate (1923-1941). In 1941 Kleinfeld was appointed as a judge on the New York Supreme Court (2nd District) (1941-1955) and later served the Appellate Division Second Department (1955-1970). He was very active in supporting Lubavitch and its activities in the early years (see his name in the index of Toldos Chabad B’Artzos Habris p. 395). He also helped and participated in the process of the Rebbe Rayatz receiving his American citizenship.
2) Young Scholar's Daily Calendar, 5703. For more information on the calendar see letter dated Erev Rosh Hashana, 5702.
3) See also letter dated 15 Cheshvan, 5703. Soon after a second edition was indeed published (see letter dated Nov. 23, 1942).
Source: Secretarial Carbon Copy
Published: Rebbe Responsa Exclusive