Nowadays a school is the only place where children receive their Jewish education; the importance of a Jewish Day School; after the start of the Day School you will see that there was a lot of interest
B. H. 17th of Iyar, 5722
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Rabbi Osher Dov Kahn
1719 South Owasso Avenue
Tulsa, Okla.
Sholom uBrocho:
Your letter and enclosure were duly received. It was gratifying to note how well the matter of the distribution of Matzah Shemura was received before the past Pesach. I trust it brought about an added measure of inspiration, especially as Pesach is the first and foremost of the Sholosh Regolim, and its message is of basic importance throughout the year.
I read with particular interest your thoughts on the need of Day School in your area. There can be no doubt whatever that a Yeshiva Day School is a truly vital necessity, all the more so in view of its present-day function. Back in the old country, where Yiddishkeit pervaded every facet of Jewish life, both within the home and without, a Yeshiva could be viewed as an institution of higher learning for a special class of gifted boys, while for the majority a Talmud Torah sufficed. In our day and age, however, where conditions are unfortunately radically different, and neither the home nor the environment is conducive to Yiddishkeit (more often than not—the opposite is true), a Yeshiva Day School is the only place where a Jewish boy, and girl, can and must be taught from the aleph of Yiddishkeit as well as from the aleph of the aleph-beis.
Moreover, in communities where Jews are a small minority, creating far-reaching problems of minority complex and tremendous trials, etc., the necessity of a Day School is even greater, for it is truly a matter of Jewish survival, prevention of mixed marriages, etc., problems which have invaded even more compact Jewish communities. All this is so obvious that no elaboration is necessary.
In view of the basic principle that "G-d does not deal despotically," and since there can be no doubt about the need of a Day School, it is certain that the potentiality is there. Furthermore, since Divine Providence has placed you there as Rabbi and spiritual leader, it has undoubtedly also endowed you with the necessary capacities to make the potentiality a reality. If there are any difficulties, they must be considered for what they really are — "nisyonos," challenges to be overcome, and capable of being overcome. Herein lies the answer to the expression you use — "ki ozlas yod" it cannot be so, for G-d helps, and the Zechus harabbim helps, too.
You mention the poor response so far, and the difficulty to enroll even five children. But surely even one soul is a whole world, and justifies every effort. But more than that. To us the simile of my father-in-law of sainted memory in regard to efforts to spread Yiddishkeit: It is like lighting a lamp in a dark street; one cannot know who and how many seek the light. But when the lamp is lit, many will surely gather around it. Experience has borne this out in the establishment of Day Schools in various communities in the USA, where the response eventually turned out beyond all expectations.
I shall look forward with great interest to hearing from you in regard to your determined efforts to establish a Day School in your community, and, as already mentioned, the Zechus Harabbim will surely stand you in good stead.
I appreciate your good wishes on the occasion of my recent birthday. As G-d blesses those who bless others, may this be so in your case, in a most generous measure.
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
