By the Grace of G-d
25th of Tishrei, 5736
Brooklyn, N.Y.
P.S. With regard to the problem with your son . . . about which you write in your letter, the seriousness of it is self evident. Intermarriage, G-d forbid, is most tragic not only from the religious point of view, but it is also very tragic from any other point of view, and for both parties, as experience has amply borne out. Therefore, it is necessary to do everything possible to prevent such a suicidal act on the part of both of them. I emphasize "both of them," since just as it is a disaster for one, so it is also for the other party involved.
As to how to go about it, and what to do to prevent this, it depends on the individual, his character, and various other factors, in light of which one must try and find the most effective way. At the same time it should be remembered that since the danger of disaster is so obvious in this case, this in itself is proof that G-d, who is the Essence of Goodness, has provided the ways and means to prevent it.
A further point to bear in mind is that all members of a Jewish family are considered by our Torah, called Toras Emes - because it is the actual truth - as one body. And just as in the case of the body, when one part of it is invigorated, the benefit is shared by the other parts of the body, so it is in the spiritual life of a Jewish family. When members of the family, especially the parents, strengthen their own adherence to the Jewish way of life in the daily life, in accordance with the Shulchan Aruch, this is bound to have a good influence on all the children and strengthen their adherence to the Jewish way of life. The analogy goes even deeper, for the drug, or medicine, which is administered to the body has to be in a sufficient dose, so that enough of it should reach the affected area. Similarly, when parents want to influence the children in matters of Yiddishkeit, or for that matter any Jew wishing to influence another, must set his own standards much higher than the minimum, inasmuch as only some of it, and not all, is absorbed by the other. There is surely no need to elaborate to you further on all above.
May G-d grant that you should have good news to report.
