Thanks for book on the story of Samson; points from our conversation; emphasizing action; influence of one’s actions notwithstanding his imperfections
By the Grace of G-d
In the Days of Sefirah
5737. Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Wolf Mankowitz
Simmonscourt Castle
Dublin 4, Eire
Greeting and Blessing:
This is to acknowledge with thanks receipt of your book The Samson Riddle. Which has been forwarded to me by our mutual friend Rabbi Shraga Faivish Vogel. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in sending me a copy for my library.
I noted, of course, with interest the reference to our conversation and several points in regard to the subject matter.
As I recall, the point was also made on the essentiality of action. In accordance with the saying of our sages that the essential thing is the deed — the observance and living experience of the Torah and Mitzvoth in the daily life.
In this connection, I would like to add that I trust you have heard that the current year has been proclaimed as a Year of Chinuch in which every Jew has been urged to make a maximum effort to spread Torah-true Chinuch to the fullest extent of his influence -- in addition to the fact that true Chinuch applies to everyone personally, in steady advancement in all that is good and in the true spiritual values, which are linked with Hakodoh-Boruch-Hu, the Ein Sof. Incidentally, this is also the explanation of the Talmudic imperative to keep all holy things on the ascendance (Maalin b'Kodesh), a principle that applies to everyone, however lofty the level which he attains.
If all the above applies to everyone, it certainly applies even more forcefully to one who has a special position of influence in the Jewish community, particularly one who has the gift of the pen and the medium of the published book which, unlike a periodical which is discarded, has a long life. Such channels of influence should be used to the full, in the right direction of course.
With esteem and blessing for good tidings in all above,
P.S. It is an old Jewish custom to offer a comment whenever the opportunity presents itself. I trust, therefore, that you will not take amiss my following comment.
As I recall our conversation, when you brought up the discussion about Samson, the point was made about the practical implications of every thing and situation, especially one in which a person is much involved and concerned with. He should seriously bethink himself that perhaps the situation calls on him to show an example that can influence not only his immediate surroundings, but the whole generation, and even beyond, regardless of the fact that there may have been aspects in his life which left much to be desired. A case in point, of course, was Samson, who as our sages tell us — had done things which he should not have done, or should have done differently, yet nevertheless he was in his time the Judge and leader of his people, and many things pertaining to him became part of Torah (from the word Horo'oh "instruction"). I believe this is a very pertinent and basic point in the story of Samson, yet precisely this essential point I missed finding it among the excerpts of our discussion which you quoted in your introductory Essay.
Needless to say, the purpose of the above remark is not [to] find fault, but if you agree with me on the said point — to suggest that you might find a way to fill it in, together with mentioning also the last pronouncement of Samson in his prayer to G-d, to which our Father Jacob referred prophetically: ׳ה יתיוק ךתעושיל.
