812 —השתדלות בחינוך תורה וערך כל פעולה

B"H, 28 MarCheshvan, 5711.

Brooklyn.

To the esteemed Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n, those involved in tzt"z public matters, and last but not least, the dear ones connected to our Rebbe my father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m, leader of the generation through fulfilling his mission in the field of proper education. May Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With pleasure I read the letter from our friend Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n, a man of many accomplishments etc., Moreinu HaRav Yitzchak Aharon shiyichyeh about their work in educating Jewish boys and girls and their influence even at home by illuminating them with the light of Torah and mitzvah as explained in our Rebbe's teachings—namely Chassidus.

It is understood that sometimes it may seem to them that not every one of their actions succeeds in awakening a tangible response in those they influence. But this is not so. As is known from a talk by my father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m while still in Russia, he explained how significant even a single movement of a Jew is. He brought proof from our Sages about the greatness of baalei teshuvah—that even complete tzaddikim cannot stand in their place. He asks: since a tzaddik served all his life with Torah and mitzvos and a baal teshuvah—even one who repented moments before death (like the story of Reb Eliezer ben Dordaya)—how can it be that the baal teshuvah is greater than the complete tzaddik? The answer: this shows how precious is even one movement from a Jew—so much so that with one turn he can acquire his world. So too in our work—even if sometimes no visible effect is seen on students or their parents despite proper effort—we do not know what has been accomplished in another's heart; perhaps they have effected "a turn," with which that person can acquire his world.

It is clear this does not lessen the need for strong interest in fulfilling their work properly—which requires that it be as our Sages say: words that come from the heart (which also means literally heartfelt words). Careful use of time matters both regarding students—teaching them to keep order—and regarding home visits, where keeping time and order helps ensure words are heard and accepted.

I do not mean this as rebuke; perhaps things are already fine without my letter. But I feel obliged to share what seems right to me and hope my words will be helpful.

Certainly they know—and there is no need to elaborate—how much my father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m gave himself over for proper education and strengthening Judaism even in very "simple" matters, though he could have used those times for studying secrets of Torah or deeper secrets. This is a lesson for each of us: sometimes one's yetzer hara disguises itself as a perfect tzaddik and argues—why get involved teaching alef-beis or Modeh Ani to others when your impact is uncertain? Instead you could study Chassidus—the teachings of living G‑d—with guaranteed benefit since you are a chassid connected to the Rebbe. Yet my father-in-law taught by example—not sparing his time or energy even though he could have accomplished lofty things himself—and devoted his best efforts to spreading proper education starting from alef-beis among simple Jews; this was true self-sacrifice.

Note also from the talk on 20 Kislev 5693 (end section 17): The tzt"z said all self-sacrifice by his grandfather—the Alter Rebbe—is as nothing compared to giving up "I desire nothing but You," and dedicating oneself to doing good so another Jew will do teshuvah on his own initiative and become truly G‑d-serving. Apparently this too is demanded of us—and we have been given both ability and strength; only willingness is lacking.

I sign with blessings for success—to be truly connected to my father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m—which will naturally lead each person to fulfill his mission joyfully and willingly; "May the wellsprings spread outward," "They shall awaken and sing...," and may my father-in-law lead us upright to our land speedily in our days, Amen.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that every sincere effort in Torah education matters deeply—even if results aren't immediately seen. True dedication means investing wholeheartedly like previous leaders did, trusting that each action can transform lives beyond what we perceive.