3018 —הפחתת שעות הוראה בגלל משכורות שלא שולמו והשפעתה על התלמידים

B"H, 12th of Marcheshvan, 5715. Brooklyn.

Chever HaMorim...

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 2nd of Cheshvan, which was just received, I am replying quickly out of great distress without waiting for my turn. The reason for my distress is the content of your letter: since the administration owes a sum to the teachers, you informed the administration that you would reduce teaching hours until they begin paying what is owed. The pain in this matter is clear: (a) From the reduction in teaching hours, the students—sons and daughters of Israel—suffer. Even if the administration acted unjustly in this matter, there is no justification to punish the students, especially with such a punishment that cannot always be corrected, as lost time is generally irretrievable—especially educational hours for children, where every hour during their education is worth many times more than at any other stage in life.

(b) I am certain that it is also clear to you that the administration did not act maliciously; obviously, if there were funds available or if it were easy to obtain them, even the board members would be happy to settle debts. If there is room to say "measure for measure," there is no place to punish intentionally for something done inadvertently or under duress.

(d) Above all is the damage caused to your students' worldview when they see that because of a material claim against so-and-so or some public figure, injustice is done to dozens of students. Since this behavior comes from their teacher and educator regarding matters of Judaism and good character traits, it becomes unclear why these students should not themselves behave in ways where Toviya sins and Zigud gets punished. It is known regarding Shaul: "Shaul erred once and it cost him; David erred twice and it did not cost him," because Shaul's error was in his official role (matters of kingship), whereas David's errors—though more severe—were not in his official role; in chassidic language: his main mission in this world. For this reason as well, reducing secular studies hours does not make a difference regarding the harm caused by this action; additionally, during those extra hours, the students will simply be idle.

I hope that these few lines will suffice and that you will gladden me with good news by return mail—that all extra hours are being restored willingly and wholeheartedly, as success in influencing students depends on this.

I await good news as above and thank you warmly for your prompt attention.

P.S. In all of the above I have not addressed the halachic aspect regarding teachers striking in a Talmud Torah or cheder because this is not the place—and mainly because I am certain there will be no need for such discussion at all.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that withholding educational hours due to salary disputes harms innocent students and undermines proper values. He urges educators to prioritize children's learning above personal grievances or financial issues.