Philosophy, textual analysis, Talmudic debate—all have a prominent place in the yeshiva world. But Torah extends far beyond the theoretical. The Avner Institute presents the Rebbe’s grasp of technical concepts involving Sabbath on a ship, the superiority of yeshiva over public school in moral and intellectual pursuits, and the role of the Holy Tongue in furthering Jewish education and observance.

In loving memory of Hadassah Lebovic A”h
“All these details”

By the Grace of G-d
21 Shevat 5718
Brooklyn, NY

Dear ——-

With reference to your letter of . . . . in which you write that your ships are equipped with fully automatic operational features, and that the duties of the engine room crew are supervisory rather than functional, etc.

I am still not clear whether the above statement is intended to convey the idea that the entire operations of the ship in question during a period of the 24 hours of Shabbos, when the ships are in motion, can be carried out automatically.

Does this mean, for instance, also that the rudder of the ship operates automatically when the ship is in motion, and also—to offset the effects of the winds, ocean streams, etc.? And what happens when a change in course or a deviation is necessary (by reason of the proximity to another ship, etc.)? And if the steering has to be adjusted, occasionally, at least, by hand, is it not true that the rudder is connected with the engine room, and that a change in the position of the rudder influences the engines, increasing or decreasing the operation of the boilers, etc.?

Another point I would like you to clear up: Is it not necessary for a ship on the high seas to send out periodic radio messages about its position, and does it not receive in its own radio room similar messages from boats or ships in the proximity? Do not such messages have a bearing on the course of a ship? Is it permissible for a ship in motion to shut off its radio room for 24 hours?

Further, I understand that certain parts of the oil burners, especially the atomizers and oil strainers, have to be taken out frequently during the course of a day to be cleaned and replaced, and that it is necessary to spark them again. Is this not an essential function of the fire room?

Do the fuel oil pumps never have to be adjusted during a 24-hour period, and the air pumps, too?

I would also like to know whether or not the ship’s log, particularly with reference to the fire rooms and engine room, can be suspended for 24 hours, or must the entries be made immediately after the periodic inspection of the machines?

Are there in a ship no small auxiliary machines or apparatuses connected with the major machinery, and are these too automatic?

How are the commands and instructions relayed from one department of a ship to another?

Can a ship be run for 24 hours without any need for adjustments, changes or repairs in any of its machinery or devices of any kind?

Finally, what about the functioning of the evaporators, the water supply, lighting, heating, ventilation, etc.? Can all of these, too, be operated automatically, without any adjustment, for a period of 24 hours?

I will appreciate your reply to each of the above questions and thank you very much for the trouble in explaining to me all these details.

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“A different level altogether”

By the Grace of G-d
10 Elul 5718
Brooklyn, NY

Mr. Pinchas Joseph Saffran

Greeting and Blessings:

I received your letter of the 26th of Menachem Av, in which you write some highlights of your life, and the difficulties which you encounter in leading the way of life which a Jewish boy of your age should do, in accordance with our Torah, which is called Toras Chayim.

You are doing very wisely in refraining from discussions with your father on this subject, especially, as you write, that your father is not in the best of health. Inasmuch as you write that you still have to attend high school, the question of where to learn later on will become actual only next year. This, therefore, is an added consideration in avoiding discussing the problem at this time.

Needless to say, that to graduate the high school at the yeshiva can be done just as successfully as in a public school. . . . Besides, in a public high school, there is a mixed crowd, and one might come in contact with undesirable friends, which is not the case in the yeshiva high school, where the atmosphere and companionship is on a different level altogether. It should not be difficult to find someone who would explain to your father these important considerations and obtain his consent.

What has been said above concerns the ways and means of how to carry out your firm resolution to conduct your daily life a Jewish boy your age should. As for the resolution itself, there can be no doubt or question that this is the only proper and true resolution which is for your own good, as well as for the good of all those who are near and dear to you, inasmuch as the Torah and mitzvoth were given by G-d, Who is the Creator of all the world, including man, and Who knows best what is good for His creatures.

As requested, I will remember you in prayer when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory. I suggest that you put aside a cent or two of tzedakah every weekday morning, which will stand you in good stead.

Wishing you a kesiva vachasima tova [be inscribed for a good New Year],

With blessing,

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“Knowledge of the content”

By the Grace of G-d
21 Teveth 5719
Brooklyn, NY

Greeting and Blessing,

I received your letter, and as requested, I will remember you and your father in prayer when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory.

In regard to the knowledge of Hebrew, the knowledge of the language is not as important as the knowledge of the content, especially a knowledge which expresses itself in actual deeds, for as our Sages have said, “The importance of study is in that it leads to practice” and also “when there is a determination, the success is assured.”

I suggest that you have your tefillin checked, and also your father’s tefillin. Similarly, it would be well to have the mezuzoth of your home checked. I also suggest that before your morning prayers on weekdays, that you set aside a penny or two for tzedakah.

Hoping to hear good news from you.

With blessing,

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