By the Grace of G‑d
4th of Adar I, 5719 [February 12, 1959]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter of January 19th, in which you write that, inasmuch as about two years ago I expressed my opinion that your son . . . should devote at least a period of two years exclusively to the study of the Torah, which I considered especially essential for his happiness, and inasmuch as this coming summer this period will be fulfilled, you bring it to my attention. I assume that you are referring to my letter of the 28th of Sivan, 5717.

No doubt you will note that I wrote there that in my opinion this period of study is considered absolutely essential, and that I said "At least two years." This, of course, did not mean that at the end of the two years your son must necessarily go to college. Nor did I, of course, imply that college is the only solution to your son's future.

I also need hardly say that I do not go back on my word, and although you state in your letter that you expect me to honor my promise, I do not see what promise I made in my said letter, except that after the two years of exclusive study of the Torah, your son would be much better prepared to cope with any contingencies which his future life may present to him, as to anyone who goes out in the world, especially a Jew.

As for the question itself regarding your son's registering in college, needless to say that the decision whether or not to enter college will have to be made by your son. I can only suggest that it may be advisable that your son, as well as you, should consult with the administration of the Yeshiva in Montreal where your son is learning at present, and who know your son intimately and the progress he has made, and what are his future prospects, etc. I may add that from the general information which has reached me, I understand that your son has become successful in his studies and, what is not less and even more important, that being in the Yeshiva atmosphere, his general character and self-assurance have been strengthened. After consultation with the Yeshiva administration, it will be easier for you to make a decision as to what your son should do in the future.

Let me conclude again in the same vein as I wrote to you in my above-mentioned letter, and with even greater conviction at this time, that your son's Torah study will certainly bring him true happiness, and that you will have much Nachas from him, and may G‑d grant that you enjoy this in good health and happy frame of mind.

With blessing,