The name of the recipient of this letter was not released.

B”H, 24 Elul, 5710

Greetings and blessings,

In reply to your letter of 9 Elul [in which] you explain the reasons why ... placed his son in an educational system outside of our yeshivah: firstly because he is a member of Agudas [Yisrael] 1 and secondly, because [he is concerned about] future plans. 2

Both of these reasons are without substance:

a) [Regarding] the fact that he is a member of the Agudah: It is well known that every person must endeavor to exert an influence on his surroundings and not vice versa. Since he has a connection to Chabad and was bonded to my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, and yet his surroundings are [people from] the Agudah, this is [inspired by] Divine Providence [with the intent] that he make the Agudahniks into Chabadniks and not that he should make himself, his wife, and his children, who are Chabadniks into Agudahniks. 200 includes 100, but not the converse. I am not elaborating on this because it is obvious and any elaboration is superfluous.

b) [Regarding] the rationale given — [concern for] future plans: Our Sages wrote: 3 “A person does not know how he will earn his livelihood.” This refers both to his spiritual livelihood and his physical livelihood. If this applies to adults, it certainly applies to children who are still in the initial stages of their education. It is utterly impossible to know from where they will derive their livelihood when they grow up and reach adulthood.

With regard to your statements concerning [your efforts to motivate] support for Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, Machne Israel, and Kehot, which, as apparent from your letter is proceeding ponderously, I am enclosing a copy of what I wrote to another person concerning this. This should be sufficient for a person of understanding.

Also enclosed is the kuntreis for the coming Rosh HaShanah together with an accompanying letter, a communal letter, and also a letter to yeshivah students. In my opinion, it is fitting that these two letters be publicized in an appropriate manner in different circles [in your city].

With blessings for a kesivah vachasimah tovah for you and all the members of your household, that you merit to fulfill the will of the principal, my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, in a complete way amidst prosperity and tranquility,

Menachem Schneerson