9. Teaching one’s son the Alef Beis:[1]

The child is to be taught the letters of the Torah immediately after reaching age three.[2] [Practically, the custom is not to be particular in this matter, and many begin teaching the letters later than the third birthday, but prior to the child turning four years old.[3] Some people are particular not to teach the child any of the letters of the Alef Beis prior to age three.[4] This however is not the Chabad custom.[5] Nonetheless, some only teach the child the Alef Beis by heart, and not from writing, until he reaches age three.[6]]

The holiness of the letters:[7] The main aspect of teaching young children the letters of the Alef Beis is to teach them with holiness and embed within them the idea that the letters are holy, and that the form of the letters and their vocalization was given on Sinai.

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[1] Rama Y.D. 245:8; Darkei Moshe Y.D. 245; Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 1:1 “in the 4^th Year”; See Rashi and Abrabanel on Pirkei Avos 5:21; Igros Kodesh 12:288; 14:40; Shulchan Menachem 5:91; Shevach Habris 3:3; Nitei Gavriel 17:21 footnote 3; 19:1-12

Opinion of Admur: Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 1:1 simply writes that it is to be done in his 4th year, which implies sometime after turning three. See however Igros Kodesh 12:288 who implies that also according to Admur one must begin learning immediately at age three.

[2] See Nitei Gavriel 19:1-12 for details regarding if the third birthday falls on a date that a Hachanasas Lacheder is not done

[3] Implication of wording of Admur ibid who writes in the 4^th year, unlike the wording of Rama ibid “Miyad upon turning three”; See Hilchos Talmud Torah of Rav Ashkenazi 1 p. 104

[4] Igros Kodesh 14:40; Arugas Habosem 210; Afrasakta Deanya 161; Poskim in Nitei Gavriel 19:1 footnote 2, although see footnote 4

[5] Igros Kodesh 14:40; Poskim in Nitei Gavriel 19:1 footnote 4; See Likkutei Sichos 9:135 footnote 8; Likkutei Levi Yitzchak Hearos on Tanya p. 4; Shulchan Menachem 5:33

[6] See Igros Kodesh 14:40, printed in Shulchan Menachem 5:33

[7] See Sefer Hamamarim Kuntrus 1 p. 66; Nitei Gavriel 17:10; Shulchan Menachem 5:92-93