A professor's influence extends past secular studies; students view teachers as comprehensive role models, making personal Torah growth immediately impactful on students' Jewish observance
By the Grace of G-d
24th of Adar, 5734
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Dr. Arye Leib Harris
85 Englewood Drive
New Haven, Conn. 06515
Greeting and Blessing:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st of Adar. I was very gratified to read in it about your involvement with the study and way of life of Chabad, and with the activities of the Lubavitch group in your community in spreading and strengthening Yiddishkeit.
Noting that you are a college professor and dean, it is surely unnecessary to emphasize to you at length the great opportunities that you have in bringing Torah observances closer to your Jewish students, as you mention in your letter. It is quite plain that a student looks up to his teacher and professor not only as an authority in the subject which he teaches, but also as an example in many other areas which apparently have no relationship with his particular subject or field. Consequently, as experience has amply borne out, when the teacher advances in his own Yiras Shomayim and in his personal life and conduct, it has an immediate impact on the students, especially if they hear also some appropriate remarks by their professor, to encourage them in their Jewish identity and Torah observance. This is what is meant by the great principle of ו העד לכב ך י כרד, especially as the term "knowing" is explained in Chasidus to the effect that it does not merely refer to knowledge, but 'ל' תורשקתה ׳ וכ עקתיו ותבשחמ קזוחב וכ (Tanya, end of ch. 3).
On the occasion of the forthcoming Bar Mitzva of your son Yehuda Moshe, I extend to you and yours prayerful wishes of Mazel Tov. I am enclosing a letter also to your son.
With blessing,
M Schneerson
