2376 —בחירת משפיעים וצוות ממוסדותינו בארץ ישראל

B"H, 29 Teves, 5714. Brooklyn.

To the administration of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Lod, may G‑d be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...Even though you do not mention this in your letter, since the first building in Pardes is already connected to the electric company, surely this has also been extended to the other buildings.

e) I was very pleased that there are already among your veteran Temani students those who serve as counselors and even teachers. According to each one's abilities, it may be worthwhile—even if he is already a teacher—that nevertheless he should further his studies independently by also teaching in one of the higher classes or in a special class for them. Of course, this should be done in a way that it is not seen as diminishing their stature—and I rely on your understanding. In general, the time has already come that mashpiim of all types and also staff in other Chabad institutions in Eretz HaKodesh should be chosen from among our own graduates, or at least from Anash; then their mesirus nefesh is of a different order. Since one who "has bread in his basket," etc., neither the administration nor the environment will resist what is required of them, knowing that ultimately they will act according to what is demanded; therefore, it is not worthwhile to fight about this.

f) It is somewhat surprising—your good practice at the beginning of every term was to inform me of the list of new students with their forms and photographs, as well as a list of those leaving with reasons for their departure; yet until now I have not received any information about this.

g) In accordance with what our Sages said regarding times of gathering etc.—since there is pressure regarding students who have no political or other affiliation—it is worthwhile to be lenient and not overly strict when accepting new students. Especially since Aliyat HaNoar overall is becoming more limited. Of course, care must be taken not to harm those already learning at the yeshiva—but surely a way can be found to ensure both goals are met.

h) Regarding new students—I have already expressed my opinion that this matter is very much needed. Frequently in such matters it is worthwhile to begin with what will draw down further resources later on—not necessarily wait until all means are available before starting. As for connecting this with the question about land containing olive trees that bear fruit—I do not wish to get involved in this issue, especially since apparently (even from your letter) there remains a deficiency: it is not located in your Pardes and thus distant from the main buildings—which goes against the goal of concentrating yeshiva activities close together (which has great spiritual and even material benefit). Of course, if it turns out that it is absolutely impossible and you receive a ruling from competent authorities that there is no concern regarding olive trees—I will not interfere.

i) What you wrote in your letter... Even though our Sages extol those who are insulted but do not insult back, I do not know if this applies when the one insulted is a public institution—especially such a large spiritual movement. It is surprising that specifically regarding such matters people are so particular about humility...

j) Regarding what you wrote on 9 Kislev about fundraising for the vocational school here—this contradicts preparations for the annual Tomchei Temimim dinner here which will take place next month. Also regarding travel to Australia—according to reports received from there, currently their material situation does not fit such an initiative; especially since according to a letter from our yeshiva’s administration there they are now struggling greatly to gather necessary funds for building their yeshiva—and they should speak directly with Anash there.

k) Surely it goes without saying that you must find ways not to sever ties with students who left your yeshiva for whatever reason.

l) It is surprising—since you wrote long ago that material for the Torah booklet was ready with you—and since then I have heard nothing about it. It would be proper to print it by Yud Shevat coming up (unless there are special local/time-based reasons against this). Then you could also print some of my letters related to the histalkus (passing) and yahrzeit which were published at various times as introductions to kuntreisim; perhaps also include a copy of my general letter for Yud Tes Kislev this year—which surely you already have.

m) My sending of my letter was delayed and meanwhile I received your letters dated 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 19th, and 25th Teves as well as plans for the vocational school—and I am writing further:

n) The curriculum at the vocational school etc.—in response ^[1] to your detailed proposal: obviously the beginning of each day should be dedicated to prayer and Torah study; most students’ ages correspond at least roughly with those supported by Aliyat HaNoar.

o) Training counselors among Temanim—I meant not only counselors for Tomchei Temimim Lod but also for Reshet (the network), Kfar Chabad etc.

p) The students from Reshet—surely you will ease admission requirements for them into your yeshiva—as expected.

q) Certainly it goes without saying—you must accustom Temani students to our system of study—not vice versa—even if their numbers increase greatly...

Blessings for success in your holy work—the one awaiting good news.

Summary

The Rebbe emphasizes choosing staff and mashpiim from within our own institutions or Anash due to their unique dedication. He addresses practical issues like student admissions and maintaining connections with alumni while encouraging ongoing educational improvement aligned with Chabad values.