Ways of Learning
In these harrowing times, when the Jewish people find themselves under attack, many both in Israel and the Diaspora have turned to their true source of strength and comfort. But how to reach out to those who feel lost or overlooked? The Avner Institute presents three focused letters stressing Torah education to our “littlest people” – our boys and girls — and even to non-Jews, both of whom are important.
Dedicated in memory of loving memory of Hadassah Lebovic A”h
“In accordance with the design of the Creator”
Non-Jews have their own mission.
By the Grace of G-d
19 Elul, 5745
Brooklyn, NY
Mr. Filip De Sutter
Lonkloan 185
9280 Overmere-Donk
Belgium
Greeting and Blessing:
This is to acknowledge receipt now of your letter of the 1st of Iyar, in which you write about your desire to learn Torah, though you are not Jewish.
I trust you know that the Torah itself has instructions as to the approach in such a situation. This is that the Torah—and in a broader sense it includes not only the Written Torah, but also the Oral Torah (Talmud, etc.)—contains parts which are in order to be studied by gentiles, namely, those that deal with the so-called Seven Noahide Laws, in all their ramifications and details, which are incumbent upon all human beings, both Jew and gentile. On the other hand, there are other parts of the Torah which are of as relevance to gentiles, and for various reasons, gentiles should not be encouraged to take time out to study them, time that they can use to better and practical advantage by studying, practicing and promoting the said Seven Noahide Laws.
In light of the above, I suggest that you should personally discuss the matter with a competent Orthodox Rabbi, who only could explain the above more fully, and at the same time provide you with guidance as to how to go about your study of Torah.
I would like to add a further point, which I trust you know, that from the Torah viewpoint, there is no need whatsoever for a gentile to convert to Judaism, in order to achieve fulfillment in accordance with the design of the Creator. On the contrary, Jews are required to discourage a would-be convert from the idea of conversion, which could also be further explained to you by the Rabbi you will consult with.
I take this opportunity—inasmuch as Rosh Hashonah, the Jewish New Year, is a day of Divine judgment pertaining to all peoples and nations—to extend to you prayerful wishes for success in the New Year.
With blessing,
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P.S. Because of your obvious concern with the matter, this letter is sent to you via special delivery.
“In immediate relationship with the Torah”
Children matter, even more so than adults.
By the Grace of G-d
Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av 5733
Brooklyn, NY
Mr. ————
4340 North Bay Road
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Greeting and Blessing:
Our contact has been on matters of a higher level, or, in Chabad language—“inward” matters. To me, as I hope also to you, this means a continuous contact, even during intervals between correspondence, for where there is a meeting of minds and thoughts, the contact transcends time and distance.
This being the case, and since my thoughts are with you, I want to share with you, I want to share with you in a matter that has preoccupied my mind in recent weeks, namely, the inadequacy of attention given to the chinuch [education] of children of pre-bar (-bas) mitzvah age, down to the very little ones. Even in circles where serious attention is given to older boys and girls, there is a prevalent tendency to take the chinuch of the little ones more lightly.
This attitude is rather surprising, for the Torah has quite strong views on the role of the youngsters. Suffice it to cite the rule laid down by our Sages that as soon as a child begins to speak, his father must begin to teach him Torah, specifically the verse “The Torah which Mosheh commanded us is the heritage of the congregation of Jacob” (Deut. 33:4). At first glance, there is a very long way between a two-year-old toddler, just beginning to speak, and the Torah which Mosheh Rabbeinu received at Sinai when he was 80-odd years old and at the height of his greatness. Yet, this is precisely what the Rabbis had in mind: to put this toddler in immediate relationship with the Torah which Mosheh received at Sinai. So much so, that the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad, begins the Laws of Talmud study in his Shulchan Aruch [Code of Jewish Law] with this very rule laid down by our Sages.
In view of the above, I have addressed two special messages to pre-bar (-bas) mitzvah children, as per enclosed copies, which I trust you will find illuminating.
Needless to say, I am certain that you will not suspect me of an indirect appeal for money. For, as you know, it is our understanding that your priority is specifically bound up with Miami, whence the voice of Torah will hopefully reverberate to the far corners of the earth. What I am after, and I make no secret about it, is the children: “Give me the persons” – in this case, the children: to me, of course, but to Torah, in accordance with the moment which Jews recite twice daily: “And you shall teach (words of Torah) diligently unto your children” – talmidim, school children.
With blessing for hatzlacha [success] in all your activities, both general and personal, aided by zechus horabim [public support], and looking forward to hearing good news from you at all times,
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“It will be only in this way”
Prevention is worth twice the cure.
B.H.
10 Cheshvan 5734
Brooklyn, NY
Dr. and Mrs. ——-
61 Cranwich Road
London, N.16
Greeting and Blessing:
In addition to the reports that I receive from time to time indirectly, I was pleased to receive just now Mrs. Stern’s letter of the 4th of Cheshvan. I was gratified to read the good news about her activities in South Africa, especially with the schoolchildren. Now it is quite evident how important and urgent has been the appeal made in the latter part of this summer, centered on “From the mouths of babes to defeat and avenge our enemies.”
The above, incidentally, conveys a basic lesson, which becomes more obvious by analogy from medicine, which has two general aspects: cure and prevention. The first has to do with curing the sick; the second—with preventing sickness. At first glance, the accomplishment of the physician in curing the sick seems more impressive by its dramatic results, than preventive medicine, where there could be some delusion that sickness would be somehow avoided. In truth, however, it is surely better to be certain of immunity to sickness. The latter is the way of G-d as it is written, “All sickness, etc. I will not place on you, for I am your Healer.”
In the present situation, the “enemy and avenger” has made no secret of his intentions, which emphasizes again how true is the saying of our Sages that “no miracle worker is known through the miracle.” And while the preventive powers of Torah and mitzvoth are also in a matter of “no miracle worker is known through the miracle,” this is clearly the more desirable way, and may G-d grant that henceforth it will be only in this way.
In light of the above, it is more urgent than ever to spread the Torah, Toras Chayim, and your contribution through the “Betrachtungen” is certain an important part of this endeavor.
With esteem and blessing,
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