1981 —מילוי השליחות של אדם והאצלת אחריות בהנהגת ישיבה

B"H, 18 Teves, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your urgent letter from Sunday, in which you write and complain about the state of the yeshiva in our camp and ask my advice: Even though I have already told you several times my clear perspective on the yeshiva under your leadership in general and your role in particular, I am writing again here at least briefly so that my view is clear. I will write in Yiddish in case you wish to read this letter before someone else. As a general introduction to all the following points: It is well known the Baal Shem Tov's ruling that serving Hashem must be done specifically with joy. It is also known, as ruled by the Rambam in Hilchos Deos and by the Tur and Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim siman 231 and in many places in Chassidus, that serving Hashem must be "Bechol Derachecha Da'eihu" (in all your ways know Him), meaning in all aspects of daily life.

My perspectives are: A) It is time to understand—and surely you already do, and one can even see it with physical eyes—that being given involvement with this yeshiva... was not because they wanted to trouble you or send you off to a small shtetl; rather, this is your fulfillment of your mission in this world. Therefore, this is the channel through which Hashem has given, gives, and will give blessing and success in everything you need for yourself and your family both materially and spiritually. Surely it is unnecessary to elaborate on this, because even with a little contemplation of the open miracles over the past two years—both personal matters and general ones—one understands and sees this.

B) Since this is your fulfillment of your mission, and you are connected to the community of Anash and Chassidim of Lubavitch whose way is service with joy, it is certain that if you do not bring upon yourself melancholy or complicate matters, you will surely be able to accomplish everything with joy. This does not contradict that sometimes things come through effort—as our Sages say: "If you did not toil and found [success], do not believe." But effort and joy are not only not contradictory; usually—and so it should be—when one achieves something through effort there is more closeness and joy than when receiving it as an unearned gift (bread of shame).

C) It goes without saying that since the institution is growing—and like every living thing wants to grow more—if at first one person could carry everything alone without harm either to himself or the institution, perhaps that was good at the beginning (though even then I'm not sure). Especially now as it continues growing, it certainly isn't proper—for either its development or for the person carrying all responsibilities together...

E) It goes without saying that anyone running an operation cannot avoid feeling that if he hands things over to someone else they won't be done as well as he would do them. This flaw came from the sin of Etz HaDaas (Tree of Knowledge), where every creation feels itself. Often this really does happen at first—until the new person gets used to their work—there may be mistakes or it may take longer. But still one mustn't forget: it's worth losing a penny so as not to lose a dollar—even though a penny versus a dollar differs only quantitatively. All the more so it's worth losing something small (in quantity or quality) so as not to lose something big (in both quantity and quality).

F) The conclusion from all above: It is absolutely necessary—you must devote all your time to public relations and have overall management including internal matters of the yeshiva. But practically speaking: anything related to study schedules, checking capable teachers (melamdim/moros), testing students etc.—all these should be handed over to someone else from among the staff who can be found suitable for this at least over time. If it's impossible for one person alone then divide functions among two people. In any case—you should not handle these directly yourself nor teach a class personally.

G) I hope my suggestion will not upset you; but even if it does—as my father-in-law related in his uncle's name (the Raz"a)—he used to say: when one gets upset they should wait at least 61 minutes before thinking about it again objectively. And don't think—even if you're somewhat right—that so-and-so won't succeed or can't run his class etc., because as said above we must overlook smaller things relative to maintaining more important matters...

Blessings for true peace of mind and expanded awareness—which will bring success both generally and personally.

The one awaiting good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that one's assignment—even if challenging—is their unique mission through which blessings flow. Effective leadership means focusing on broader goals while delegating specific tasks; letting go enables greater growth for both leader and institution.