Weekly Moment With the Rebbe

The Avner Institute presents teachings on how Jewish philosophy and practice extend beyond theoretical study in the yeshiva world. Three letters address practical applications of Torah law and Jewish education.

In the first letter, dated 21 Shevat 5718 and addressed to a correspondent regarding maritime operations, the writer seeks clarification on whether a ship's operations during the Sabbath can function entirely automatically. The letter poses detailed questions about automatic steering, radio communications, maintenance of fuel systems, engine room logs, auxiliary machinery, and various ship systems including evaporators and water supply, asking whether all can operate without adjustment for a 24-hour period.

The second letter, dated 10 Elul 5718, responds to a young man named Pinchas Joseph Saffran regarding his education. The writer advises against discussing the matter with his father given his father's health concerns, and suggests the question of further schooling can wait until the following year. Regarding high school education, the writer states that "to graduate the high school at the yeshiva can be done just as successfully as in a public school," While noting that a yeshiva environment provides companionship "on a different level altogether" Compared to a public school with its mixed population and risk of undesirable associations. The writer emphasizes that conducting life according to Torah and commandments is "the only proper and true resolution" And suggests setting aside charity on weekday mornings.

A third letter, dated 21 Teveth 5719, addresses Hebrew language study. The writer states that "the knowledge of the language is not as important as the knowledge of the content, especially a knowledge which expresses itself in actual deeds," Citing the principle that "The importance of study is in that it leads to practice." The letter recommends checking tefillin and mezuzoth and suggests regular charity contributions.