By the Grace of G‑d
28th of Teveth, 5713 [January 10, 1953]
Brooklyn 13, N.Y.
Greeting and Blessing:
I received your letter of the 13th of Teveth in which you describe your studies at the Yeshiva and also about the other members of your family.
You write that in the army it is impossible to be religious. This is, of course, incorrect and you should impress this upon ---- There are thousands of Jewish soldiers in the army who observe the Mitzvah of Tefillin and prayer, etc. The Tefillin is especially important for Jewish boys in military service, for, apart from the Mitzvah involved, it is also a Segulah for safety and a return home in good health. Even if it is difficult to put on Tefillin in the morning because of military duties, or maneuvers, etc., it is still possible and necessary to put on Tefillin any time before sunset, even for a few moments. In such a case it is permissible to say the prayer in the morning without Tefillin, since the Tefillin will be put on later.
With regard to your question as to where to be on Pesach, you ought to discuss the matter with the head of the Yeshiva. Of course it has to be a place where it is strictly kosher for Pesach, in accordance with the Torah.
You ought to give half a penny for Tzedakah every Monday and Thursday before the morning prayers. You also ought to know by heart several psalms or several Mishnayoth, which you could revise in your mind whenever you are walking in the street, or riding in a car, and if there are no people around, you could even rehearse them to yourself aloud.
May G‑d bless you in your learning of the Torah with Yiras Shomaim and that you be able to write good news about it to me.
With blessing,
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