By the Grace of G-d 17th of Teves, 5741 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of the 5th of Teves with some delay.

I was, of course, impressed with your interest in more effective way[s] of spreading Yiddishkeit, etc., and the suggestions you made.

Needless to say, it is difficult to adequately discuss such matters in a letter.

As far as the Farbrengen is concerned — in general it is necessary to take into consideration the type of audience that is present, and the subject that would interest most of them. It is, therefore, impossible to make a hard and fast agenda beforehand, except that there are always topical subjects connected with the particular occasion or festival or weekly Sedra, etc. — although here, too, a great deal of flexibility is required.

With regard to your suggestion about the Shulchan Aruch of the Alter Rebbe — there are already many groups who regularly study the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch in a similar way to CHiTaS. As for translating it into English (which in itself would be a commendable thing), there is not a great need for it, inasmuch as those who have to know it thoroughly in order to Pasken a Shaala, can study the Shulchan Aruch in its original, while the layman has a practical handbook and guide in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, which is already available in English. And with regard to prayer, you surely know that there is already a translation of the Alter Rebbe's Siddur.

In view of your interest in all the above, and to the extent of writing to me about it, I take it for granted that you are active in spreading Yiddishkeit in your surroundings and in your city in the fullest and most effective way, and that you are doing it in an ever growing measure, in keeping with the message of Chanukah and the Chanukah Lights which we have just observed.

With blessing,