4124 —בניית מוניטין הישיבה דרך עומק, לא פרסומת

B"H, 19 Shevat, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Shlomo Chaim Kaselman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter with the enclosed pan from the day of the hilulah. Certainly, the matter I wrote to the administration of Tomchei Temimim will be discussed with the appropriate seriousness: to strive and invest all energy and effort so that the yeshiva will be renowned and glorious not only because of publicity and noise but also because of its inner qualities. This should not only be in matters of fear of Heaven and Chassidus but also in revealed Torah. It is well known that my father-in-law, the Rebbe, related that in the beginning of spreading Chassidus in Russia, our master the Alter Rebbe utilized great students in revealed Torah. The practice was that wherever they went, they amazed listeners with their knowledge in revealed Torah and used this amazement to win over minds and hearts to study Chassidus.

b) Regarding what you wrote about which maamarim should be studied in various classes: it is already known from our Sages that a person should always study where his heart desires. Therefore, one must take into account the true wishes of the students.

c) Regarding your question about founding something like a kollel: when I receive detailed information—how many hours per day those wishing to join will learn; whether they are talented enough so that after studying for some time in kollel they will be able and willing to become mashpi'im, ramim (teachers), or roshei yeshiva in Kerem Chabad; as well as details about expenses involved—I will then be able to decide on this matter. As I wrote in my letter to the administration as a whole.

Blessings for good news regarding all of the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that a yeshiva's true reputation comes from its depth in both Chassidus and revealed Torah—not from external publicity—and encourages leadership to focus on substance while considering students' genuine interests.