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

B”H, 15 MarCheshvan, 5711

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of 11 MarCheshvan [in which you ask] whether to participate in a Melaveh Malkah for the Bureau of Hebrew Education and give a lecture concerning the approach of the Baal Shem Tov. From your letter, it appears that:

a) you are not being forced to do this; your Talmud Torah will not suffer a loss even though you do not participate, [but]

b) you are concerned about the negative impression your participation in their Melaveh Malkah will create.1

Since you do not see the great benefit that will result from [delivering] one lecture, why should you enter an uncertain situation? It is better not to take any action.

Regarding your statements that the young men and women in your synagogue desire to organize themselves in order to improve the synagogue, to make a club that is associated with the synagogue, and the like: In my opinion, it is a proper and beneficial [step]. About your worry that this will lead to mixed dancing and the like: you will certainly find appropriate ways to prevent them from this and the like, without creating friction, by causing them to be involved in appropriate and positive matters, e.g., lectures (they should also participate and be among the lecturers); debates on matters pertaining to the Torah and its mitzvos or Jewish history; establishing a library and a reading room; establishing a free-loan or charitable fund; before Chanukah, creating an exhibit of articles associated with Chanukah, or the like.

I took great pleasure in your story about Shemini Atzeres in your Talmud Torah. This is an additional proof of the saying of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ:2 “One can rest assured that effort will never go unrewarded.” Similar concepts apply regarding your synagogue, and in particular, the young men and women [there]. With the appropriate work, you can advance and succeed in these matters. This itself will bring about success in your personal affairs.

With blessings for success in both your communal and personal affairs,

Menachem Schneerson