By the Grace of G-d
12th of Teves, 5744
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr...
Yeoville 2198 Johannesburg
Rep. of South Africa
Greeting and Blessing:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter and school’s magazine.
In general, the magazine makes a good impression, for which you deserve congratulations. It is, of course, important for any publication to be attractive, and certainly one that is connected with children’s Chinuch.
May G-d grant that the Hatzlocho of the magazine will further stimulate the cause of Yiddishkeit in general, and of Torah-true Chinuch, in particular. And the Zechus Horabim helps. May you carry on this good work with joy and gladness of heart.
There is a well known saying to the effect that it is easier to be a critic than an author. So I will add the suggestion that a publication such as the Torah Times should have a Torah message, from the Torah itself, which should be the keynote for the other messages.
Needless to say, this is not intended (G-d forbid) to minimize the merits of the magazine. But in such a matter of public interest, I would be remiss not to mention it. And while our Sages declare, "There is no point in crying over the past,” my suggestion, if accepted and implemented, will reverse the past. What I am suggesting is that a suitable Dvar Torah be printed in a separate sheet, on the topic of Chinuch, or other suitable topic - with a note to the effect that the leaflet, containing a Dvar Torah, should be treated with due respect. It could then be either included with the Torah Times, or sent separately to those who have already received the magazine. There is one redeeming point in sending the Dvar Torah separately in that it makes a greater impact by receiving undivided attention, than if it had been printed in the magazine.
A copy of this letter is, of course, being sent to the administration of the Torah Academy School.
As requested, I will remember you and yours in prayer at the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory, for the fulfillment of your heart's desires for good, particularly that, together with your wife, you should bring up each and all of your children to a life of Torah, Chuppah and Good Deeds.
With blessing
M. Schneerson
