2099 —איזון לימוד תורה ועסקים, עדיפויות רוחניות לאנ"ש

B"H, 8 Iyar, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letters from the 2nd and 5th of Iyar with their enclosures.

b) Regarding what you wrote about this year's deficit being over four thousand dollars: in general, there is no reason to be alarmed. It might be worthwhile to organize a special fundraising campaign to clear the debts. This would not interfere with the annual campaign and regular income; at most, it would only minimally affect them, and even then it is still worthwhile. I have already written to several of our institutions that the matter of income and expenses for the institution of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal (may his merit protect us), is not as some think—that because there are high expenses one should reduce the number of students, etc.—rather, the solution is to increase channels of income. Since everything is drawn down spiritually before it manifests physically, and spiritual channels of income are the students and their sacred studies, first and foremost one must increase influence at the source by raising both the quantity and quality of study and students. Afterwards, one should also strive to draw down materially below; the practical result is clear and simple.

c) Regarding what you wrote about the time teachers spend on business: this does not answer the complaint. The complaint was not that during times designated for study in yeshivah they walk outside physically, but that their thoughts wander in markets and streets. The proof is that their business attire is already prepared so that immediately after study time ends according to schedule, books are closed in an instant and they are ready with their business clothes etc., transforming instantly from those who sit in the study hall to those who frequent street corners—rushing off to where they imagine their livelihood will be found for themselves and their families. Consequently, it is impossible that even during study time they do not prepare their thoughts and speech for business matters—turning toward them immediately upon finishing class.

d) The excessive time spent on secular studies and physical exercise at the expense of sacred studies is alarming. "Will you even conquer the queen while I am in the house?!" (Esther 7:8). May Hashem help each one of us not to exchange what is most essential for what is trivial—such an exchange is inherently absurd; moreover, it further damages even those secondary matters themselves—as is obvious.

With blessings for success in your holy work.

P.S. Enclosed is the booklet published for Lag BaOmer coming up soon; surely you will use it to benefit many. In continuation with my letter's content: this essay also explains how paying close attention brings things into actual reality—see there. It is well known that my father-in-law, the Rebbe, told a story from Chassid Reb Binyamin Kletzker: when making business calculations he wrote "Ein Od Milvado" (There is nothing besides Him), and when asked how he could involve himself in Chassidus while engaged in business he replied all the more so! If when standing before Hashem people can have distracting thoughts about Kletzker (the town), then certainly when dealing with Kletzker (business) there can be pure holy thoughts! It would be worthwhile to explain this story to all Anash who are businessmen—and all the more so to Anash who according to my father-in-law's wishes were meant to be dwellers in tents (full-time learners), but recently have become businessmen instead.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that financial challenges should be met by increasing both spiritual and material efforts without compromising Torah study or student numbers. Even those now engaged in business must maintain spiritual priorities and integrate holiness into all aspects of life.