By the Grace of G‑d
12th of Tammuz, 5721
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Mr. Sholom Simon
48, Welbeck Grove
Salford, 7

Greeting and Blessing:

After the very long interval, I received your letter of Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, in which you write about your studies in subjects of Yiddishkeit, and also about your efforts to educate a boy in this direction. Needless to say, it is necessary to explain to him, in a nice and friendly way, about the elementary and daily Mitzvoth which have to be fulfilled regardless of background and education.

As for The question whether it is not better for a person to be neglectful of his duties out of ignorance rather than willfully so, there are many reservations on this point, and in any case this consideration does not apply in the present case. Moreover, and this is an essential point, one can never overestimate a Jewish soul and the response of a Jewish heart if addressed to in a nice and friendly way. It is very likely that however far-fetched it may appear, the response will precisely be a very ready one. At the same time, it is necessary to bear in mind also to leave no room for complaint by the party concerned at some future date that an opportunity was missed, and he was not told all that he should have been told at the opportune time.

I trust that you are familiar with the importance and significance of the 12-13th of Tammuz, which also has a bearing on the situation under consideration, and I trust that the inspiration of these auspicious days will last you throughout the year.

Hoping to hear good news from you,

With blessing,