4195 —שמירת רמת חב"ד בחינוך למרות עזיבת תלמידים

B"H, 1st of Nissan, 5716. Brooklyn.

Haraha"g haraha"ch iy"a nu"n ossek b'tzt"z Eliezer Krassik

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It is surprising that you heard from his letter from the first of Adar; nothing was received from him. Regarding what you wrote in your letter from Rosh Chodesh Adar and the previous one concerning the agricultural school: it is understood that since you have entered the field of Chabad education, your spirit must align with this, and there must be no difference in conduct and way of life between the carpentry school mentioned above or the upcoming printing school. I have already answered this in my previous letter.

Even if some students leave, it is obvious that one must not lower or diminish the standard of an educational institution for the sake of certain students—especially those who are not careful about matters contrary to the Chabad spirit. Therefore, the matters about which you write are to be rejected.

However, as with all Lubavitch conduct, things should be done pleasantly (without compromising), meaning not to expel students G‑d forbid, but to explain to them why these matters are negative and how much they are against their own good, etc., etc.

The main thing—and not like the approach of baalei mussar who expand greatly on describing evil and spend most of their time and effort explaining what is wrong—is that most effort and explanation should be devoted to describing the true greatness of good.

And simply put: there should be more farbrengens with them (of course in ways appropriate to their level), with stories and niggunim of Chabad and also Chabad dances, etc., etc.

(It is also understood that arranging a radio in the school will prevent the possibility of forbidden radio arrangements in their rooms or sleeping quarters where there is no supervision over what they might choose to listen to.)

Since you do not mention anything about health, I hope it has improved, and may it improve even more—for you, your wife, and your entire family—may they live.

Towards Pesach approaching for us and all Israel for good and blessing: may you celebrate it—you and your whole family—in kashrus and joy.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that maintaining high Chabad standards in education is essential even if some students leave. The focus should always be on positive encouragement through pleasant explanations and increased farbrengens rather than lowering expectations or emphasizing negativity.