This letter was sent to R. Tzvi Shusterman.

B”H, the first day of Rosh Chodesh Adar II, 5711,
Brooklyn

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letters of the 10th and 17th of Adar I:

It is difficult to establish general principles regarding your question of whether to speak at gatherings of political parties or groups that are not observant.

On one hand, it is proper to use every opportunity that presents itself to influence different circles of our Jewish brethren and draw them close to the Torah and its mitzvos.

On the other hand, one must be careful that his participation in their meeting not be interpreted as a hechsher, a proof of the acceptability of their outlook, or at least, their actions.

In practice, steps should be taken to negate the possibility of the latter concerns arising. One should, [however,] speak everywhere that is fit to sow a seed of Yiddishkeit and the fear of Heaven. In the overwhelming majority of instances, such a seed will sprout, whether immediately or at least at a later date.

You will surely encounter Mr. ... and his wife. In a diplomatic way, you should try to influence them to carry out in practice the matters concerning taharas hamishpochah that were spoken about when they visited here.

I hope you will be able to give me good news — that the son of Mr. ... began putting on tefillin. Why should he play [games] with G‑d?

..According to your request, I mentioned you and the members of your household yesterday — the day precedingRosh Chodesh — when I visited the gravesite of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, with regard to their needs.

With blessings and greetings to all the members of our fellowship,