3881 —קבלת משרת משגיח למרות חששות אישיים

B"H, 14th of Iyar, 5716. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the eve of Thursday, in which you write various reasons regarding the proposal to accept a Mashgiach position at the yeshivah...

Even if we say that you are correct in part of your reasoning—that your nature is not suited to being a Mashgiach due to your bashfulness and that students will feel close to you and thus discipline will be diminished, etc.—all these matters can be greatly rectified by you. Since in my opinion the time has come for you to begin seeking stability and, over time, family life, fortunate is your lot if you combine material livelihood with spiritual livelihood; that is, if your occupation is in the tent of Torah. Especially since the offer is at a yeshivah where both revealed and hidden Torah are permeated with awe of Heaven. It is obvious that this is not an easy task or a simple matter; but other means of livelihood are also not easy during exile—rather, they have additional challenges which do not exist here. To elaborate on such an obvious point would be superfluous; all this back-and-forth comes from contemplating matters that do not require contemplation. Therefore, you can utilize your analytical ability and contemplation where it is needed—in influencing students—and view yourself as an emissary of the founder and director of the yeshivah, my revered father-in-law the Rebbe zatzal nishmaso Eden (may his merit shield us), and your only responsibility is to prepare your vessels so they receive the influence and success bestowed upon you.

It is understood that all of the above does not pertain to the question of salary: you should find out how much others in similar positions at their yeshivah receive and need not forgo regarding yourself—except for perhaps the first few weeks until you become accustomed to your work.

As for what you write about lacking in study: it has already been stated at the beginning of Torah Or by our Nasi Rabbeinu HaZaken (the Alter Rebbe) that through tzedakah one's mind and heart become refined a thousandfold.

Blessings that you see things as they truly are, and thus decide as above for good both materially and spiritually together—and may you have success.

P.S. They wrote that he gave me [your letter] before his trip; I read it, and several matters about which you write will be rectified through your involvement in holy work—bringing close the hearts of Jewish children to our Father in Heaven by igniting them toward learning our Torah of Life (including obviously also revealed Torah). This will also ease and hasten correction in other areas through appropriate work in suitable matters.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages accepting positions that combine material and spiritual growth despite personal doubts. He teaches that challenges can be overcome with proper perspective and preparation, emphasizing both self-improvement and positive influence on others.