By the Grace of G‑d
12th of Nissan, 5734
[April 4, 1974]
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Greeting and Blessing:
Following the pleasure of our meeting and conversation after the Farbrengen last night, I wish to add here in writing some thoughts which, for obvious reasons, I did not wish to express in the presence of others, namely, in regard to your son.
I am in agreement with the opinion of your brother-in-law mentioned in your letter, especially as he is a physician. I believe that the best help that can be given your son, in general, is to get him to work.
I should only add, and I trust your brother-in-law would concur, that in view of the fact that this would entail a change in your son’s way of life for a period of time, it would be well if his job would, in the first stage at any rate, meet two conditions: Firstly, that it would not impose on him too much responsibility, so that he would not be frightened or discouraged by it. On the other hand, it should have a more or less rigid timetable and schedule, so that he would get used to a routine and orderly life, which, in my opinion, is the overriding consideration. If it is the kind of work which he might consider beneath him, it might be explained to him that it is only a start, and temporary, and, indeed, the first step to advancement. It is well known that here in the USA people at the top often take pride in the fact that they worked their way up from the bottom of the ladder.
After he adjusts himself to a part-time occupation of several hours a day, he could probably be induced to work half a day and in due course a full-time job.
Needless to say, the above is in addition to what we spoke about the importance of his feeling that his parents and friends have the fullest confidence in him . . .
. . . I reiterate my prayerful wishes to you and yours for a joyous Festival of Liberation, and may the Festival of Our Freedom bring you and yours true freedom, freedom from anxiety material and spiritual, from anything that might detract from serving G‑d wholeheartedly and with joy.
And to carry over this freedom and joy into the whole year. Wishing you and yours a Kosher and inspiring Pesach,
With blessing,
M Schneerson
A Similar Situation With My Son My son just barely makes the 5 year old cut off this year for baseball camp, meaning he is among the youngest allowed. A part of me wants him to go. However, I am aware that often when a child is among the youngest, it lowers self esteem. I have read the data. Children that are among the oldest allowed to play often are the most successful even at higher levels, such as college and even professional ball. As a 5 year old he would be among the youngest and I am just not sure if that is a good idea for him to start now. He can play with his family in the back yard, which should boost his ego. The better idea I think would be to start him in a baseball program where he is a 6 year old, such that he is at least not the youngest in the program. These things do make a difference, even if it is only the evil inclination to succeed at the game that drives us. Hopefully, he will be successful, and at the same to able to surrender that success to Hashem, and not make it harder for him.