By the Grace of G‑d
3rd of Iyar, 5732 [April 17, 1972]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I duly received your letter of April 11th. As requested, I will remember you in prayer for the fulfillment of your heart's desires for good, especially that you should have true nachas [pleasure], which is Yiddish Torah nachas, from each and all of your children.

In the present day and age, when it is desired to influence children, experience has shown that it is more effective if it comes from friends or acquaintances, rather than directly from parents.

Children are less inclined to accept advice, guidance or suggestions from parents because they think that their parents still consider them immature, or wish to impose their authority on them, etc. Therefore, it would be well that you should find friends that would speak to your son, but of course, they should do so in a way that would not arouse his suspicion that they have been asked by his parents to speak to him.

Inasmuch as all members of a Jewish family constitute one body, it is clear that an additional effort by one member of the family in matters of Torah and Mitzvos is of benefit to all the family.

This is particularly true in the case of parents who, in any case, have to set an example of high standards. Needless to say, there is always room for improvement in all matters of Torah and Mitzvos which are infinite, being derived from the infinite. And although these should be observed for their own sake, they are at the same time also the channels and vessels to receive and enjoy G‑d's blessings in all needs.

May G‑d grant that you should have good news to report in all above,

With blessing,