2810 —לימודי חול בבתי ספר חב"ד רק כאשר נדרש על פי חוק

B"H, 15 Tammuz, 5714. Brooklyn.

The administration of the vocational school in Kfar Chabad, may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from 3 Tammuz.

Regarding what you wrote about general studies: The point here is that it is not Chabad's role to establish schools for general studies, not even as a secondary matter. The only exception (and this is only under compulsion) is as done in the United States with the knowledge of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal—where until the age when compulsory education by government law applies, the minimum amount of general studies required by law is taught, since without this it would be impossible for the cheder and lower grades to exist. This serves as a precedent for the cheder network, Beit Rivkah in the village, etc.

However, regarding the vocational school and in general for classes that have already passed the age of compulsory education—if there are parents or a movement among some people close to Chabad who want general studies to be taught as well—this is a change that cannot be agreed upon. This applies to general studies in general; but those subjects which are secondary to vocational training taught at the vocational school are not independent studies but rather branches of vocational learning. Similarly, regarding the program of the vocational school—it does not matter if someone calls it a secondary school; what I discussed here with Rabbi Yang was about establishing a vocational school and not a secondary school for general or even combined sacred and secular studies. From this it is understood that there is room to study matters related to work as you write in your letter, but there is no place in this school for studying subjects so that students can receive a secondary school diploma or similar.

Certainly even here one must begin with an introduction of peace and pleasant ways even though it is impossible to compromise on this matter.

(b) I was pleased by what you wrote that sacred studies and prayer take up much more time than work-related learning and its associated subjects—and surely you will maintain this...

It is certainly unnecessary to remind again to ensure that the vocational school does not become an escape from Yeshivat Tomchei Temimim Lod; likewise, entry there should generally be after studying for some time at Yeshivat Tomchei Temimim Lod and only exceptionally should other students be accepted...

With blessings for success in your holy work.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Chabad institutions should include general studies only when legally required and then only minimally. Vocational training may include relevant practical subjects but must never replace Torah study or become an alternative to yeshivah learning.