4040 —התמודדות עם תלונות בעב על סדרי הישיבה וביקורת בונה

B"H, 18 Teves, 5716. Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Mordechai Dov Altayn

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Wednesday, I was pleased to read its main points about the farbrengen you held on the bright day of 19 Kislev, the festival that redeemed our soul in peace and gave us light and vitality for our soul. Surely you will seek opportunities to refresh (apfreshen) the impressions of the farbrengen throughout the year. This day is precisely called the Rosh Hashanah for Chassidus and its ways, because from the head flows life and movement to all limbs—and this is understood.

Regarding what you wrote about complaints from some of the laypeople concerning the order in the Yeshivah: Although it is understood that matters of holiness in general—and especially those connected with education—should be improved and perfected as much as possible, when it comes to complaints from laypeople, even though there is a wise saying: "Love criticism," one should not be overly affected by these complaints. In most cases, they come from people who simply want to criticize and complain; this desire compels them to search and dig for something to attach their complaint to—as is clearly evident.

As you requested, you and all your family will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal nishmaso Eden. May Hashem grant you success in sharing good news in all matters mentioned in your letter—and your involvement with tzt"z is included in this.

Blessings.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches not to be discouraged by habitual criticism but instead focus on positive action and improvement. Constructive feedback should be welcomed, but one should recognize when complaints are merely for their own sake.