751 —אחריות תלמידי הישיבות באלול ובתשרי

B"H, Rishon d'Selichos, may Hashem be with the yeshiva students, may Hashem be upon them and grant them life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With the permission of the esteemed rabbis, the heads of the yeshivas, I turn to you here, my friends—the yeshiva students—in particular, in addition to my letter from Chai Elul.

The great happiness that Divine Providence has helped you become among those whose portion is Torah, and the special quality that Hashem has instilled in youth—that they possess great strength and energy—these two things place a special responsibility upon you: to be among the first both in your own actions and in inspiring others. This means giving spiritual tzedakah to those lacking knowledge—and giving generously and wholeheartedly.

Our Sages ruled: The positive commandment of Torah study is greater than other mitzvos in itself; it is equal to them because study leads to action. But if a mitzvah cannot be done by others—for example, if your words are more effective or others' efforts are insufficient—you interrupt your learning to do the mitzvah, then return to your studies.

In these coming days of Tishrei—the month when every Jew has both an obligation and privilege "to renew his deeds and improve his actions"—you yeshiva students must strengthen yourselves even more: (a) In your personal service—arousing true teshuvah, accepting the yoke of Heaven and Torah with awe of Heaven, and fulfilling mitzvos with joy. (b) In working with others—bringing close those who need closeness and strengthening those who need support in teshuvah, Torah study, and mitzvah observance. Especially important is broad outreach by every suitable means so that every Jewish boy and girl receives a proper education in the spirit of our ancestors without compromise.

The Holy One said to Israel: If you improve your deeds, I will rise from My seat of judgment and sit on My seat of mercy, transforming judgment into mercy for you.

Blessing you for a good inscription and sealing—Menachem Mendel ben Chana Schneerson (son-in-law of the Rebbe), Lubavitcher Rebbe zatzal.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that yeshiva students have a unique mission: to strengthen themselves spiritually during Elul and Tishrei while also inspiring others toward teshuvah, Torah study, mitzvos observance, and uncompromising Jewish education for all children.