3780 —הכרח עריכת חשבון נפש אמיתי להנהלת הישיבה

B"H, Chai Elul, 5715. Brooklyn.

To the administration of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim, upon whom may be G‑d's blessing and life—Shalom u'Vrachah!

On this bright day, the birthday of the two great luminaries—the Baal Shem Tov and our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe—we have merited to hear from my father-in-law, the Rebbe, that the days of accounting for the months of the year, day by day and month by month, begin on Chai Elul. Since a beginning and a head includes everything that follows, it is fitting that Tishrei—which Chai Elul is its day of accounting—is a general month for the entire year. Therefore, on this day in particular, everyone should reflect on an accounting of the days, weeks, and months that have passed. Clearly, the purpose of this accounting is to learn from the past for the future in both areas: turning away from evil and doing good.

If this applies to an individual person, how much more so is it absolutely necessary for those who influence others—whether close or distant—and in matters upon which many depend. Especially when these matters are in the field of educating Jewish boys and girls—the main foundation for generations—as it is written: 'For I have known him so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of G‑d.'

It is obvious that as with all matters of soul-accounting (cheshbon hanefesh), we are warned not to distort or sway the accounting in any direction. In particular, we are cautioned against self-deception caused by self-love covering over all faults. Many methods and pieces of advice have been given to avoid such errors.

Regarding work in education—the best advice is to examine the results produced by this method of education and learn from this examination what needs correction: whether something should be negated or improved and increased.

Based on all the above—my suggestion and hope regarding your holy educational institution which Divine Providence has privileged you to lead—is that you make a just and truly honest accounting according to all that was said above. The test for avoiding bias will be to consider the results of your education over all these years during which this institution has been under your direction. Such a period constitutes an entire era in the lives of youth at an age when they are being educated.

The way to examine this is clear: by considering what happens with your students after they leave yeshiva into the world—how many remain within Torah study (both revealed Torah and Chassidus), how many conduct themselves at home and in business according to the teachings of our Rebbeim—the founders—and their hopes; how many at least properly observe Torah and mitzvos; etc.

Similarly regarding students in younger classes—surely records are kept about them from which you can calculate how many continue their studies until completion within yeshiva walls; how many remain only as long as needed before moving on elsewhere not rooted in holiness; etc.

As for true regret over past shortcomings—this remains a private matter for each individual at present. But accepting resolutions for improvement going forward is a communal matter upon which many depend (G‑d forbid otherwise). From this one understands also the great responsibility upon every member of administration—especially those at its head: on one hand great merit; on the other hand…

Since our Rebbeim—the founders—are confident they provide all necessary strength to those able to influence yeshiva affairs—in full measure—and even arouse abundant mercy so that work succeeds beyond natural capacity—it follows that if certain matters currently do not align with their intended goal (the purpose set by our Rebbeim—the connecting intermediary between institution/students and G‑d's Essence), then any obstacle lies only with those receiving. An empty vessel alone can hold new content.

May it be G‑d's will that—in line with Chai Elul's well-known saying (that it brings vitality into Elul service) and allusions within its name—the reflection described above will be sincere and true-to-self; will bring vitality into any bitterness arising from it; will add energy to correct whatever needs fixing; will increase as much as possible in every detail of your institution. Then you will surely see good fruit from your efforts: raising students who truly deserve—as chosen by Tomchei Temimim's founder—the title "candles to illuminate."

Blessings for success in making this accounting, drawing true conclusions—and most importantly—in leading your yeshiva henceforth; with blessings for good news soon in all these matters; may you be inscribed and sealed for good.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that yeshiva leaders must regularly conduct an honest self-accounting focused on real outcomes—not self-justification—to ensure their educational mission aligns with its true purpose. Only through such sincerity can lasting positive impact be achieved.