התלמידים הנוסעים לביתם לתשרי וחשיבות מנהגי חב"ד

B"H, 23 Menachem Av, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I am writing regarding the practice that students travel home for the entire month of Tishrei. This conduct is contrary to reason and to the intention of guidance in fear of Heaven. If such a thing is necessary throughout the year, then there is no more opportune or favorable time for it than during the days of Selichos and the Days of Awe, etc. If this practice cannot be changed, at least they must be equipped with spiritual provisions both for themselves and for the places to which they travel. And if it is possible to keep at least the older students in yeshivah at least for Rosh Hashanah, the Ten Days of Teshuvah, and Yom Kippur, this time should be used to draw them closer to chassidic customs and guidance. Even though one should not interfere with their good customs that have been passed down from generation to generation, nevertheless there are Chabad customs that should be made known so that they will follow them—without interfering with Sephardic customs.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while respecting inherited traditions, it is crucial to provide students with spiritual resources and introduce them to Chabad customs during significant times like Tishrei—especially when they cannot remain in yeshivah.