Study Can’t Go to Waste
Benefits of completing college studies once they have been started, irrespective of the general question of college attendance
By the Grace of G-d
27th of Elul, 5720
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Elie Cohen
1216, Avenue la Joie
Montreal, Que.
Greeting and Blessing:
I received your letter of the 23rd of Elul, in which you ask my advice about college and the problems connected therewith.
Inasmuch as you write that you are in communication with Rabbi Nissan Mangel, I trust that you could work out together a way to overcome the difficulties. The important thing is to see to it that all the time and effort which you have invested in your studies at college should not be completely lost, and this is possible only if you will complete your studies and obtain your diploma. For then you will surely have opportunities not only to use it for economic purposes, but also to increase your influence in strengthening Yiddishkeit in your environment. Had the question of college arisen in the first place, namely, whether to begin college or not, the situation would have been different. However, since you have already invested time and effort in it, my advice is as above.
I want to take this opportunity to emphasize again the importance of observing the commandment of the Torah to guard one’s health, which simply means to take care of one's diet, regular meals, etc. These things can surely be arranged in a way that they will be in complete harmony with the commandments of the Torah, which is called Toras Chaim, and its Mitzvoth whereby Jews live.
As requested, I will remember you and the others in prayer when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory, and I hope to hear good news from you.
Wishing you a Ksivo vachasimo toivo,
With blessing,
By Nissan Mindel
