This letter was addressed to Rabbi S. M.

B”H, 9 Tishrei, 5709

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of 25 Elul, [in which you asked]:

a) How should one conduct himself regarding the blessings al netilas yadayim and Elokai Neshamah when he remains awake all night?

The directive given publicly is that one does not recite them, as stated in the Alter Rebbe’s [Piskei Siddur]. It is clear that one may hear them [recited by] someone who slept [and in that manner fulfill his obligation if he is in fact obligated]. (The directive given secretly is that [these blessings] should be recited. This is what I heard from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita.)

b) Is the Torah read in a minyan when all of those in the minyan have already heard the reading of the Torah?

I have never heard or seen people conduct themselves in that manner.

Enclosed are three maamarim to be shared with others.

With blessings for a g’mar chasimah tovah,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson