4468 —התגברות על עצבות בחינוך וכוח הפעולה החיובית

B"H, 20 Sivan, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n involved in tzt"z Mo"h Aleksandr Zisel.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After having heard much about you and your activities in general, and especially in the field of education, it pleased me to receive your letter, which included an outline of what you have experienced and your current situation. Even though I was surprised and somewhat pained by its content—mainly by the spirit of sadness that permeates it—I am writing to express my wonder and reasoning: Since Divine Providence has placed you in a position of light and given you the opportunity to work for the proper education of Jewish children, this is clear proof that you have been granted the strength to fulfill this most elevated role. For the Holy One does not make unreasonable demands of His creations; therefore, everything depends only on your will. If you truly and resolutely desire it, you will certainly overcome all obstacles and concealments.

Even if one were to say that this sadness stems from not yet having succeeded as much as desired in improving education as required, aside from what is explained in Tanya and many other places that sadness is always unfounded and only harmful, it is well known from our holy leaders: "One positive action is better than a thousand sighs." Especially since human nature is such that when one sighs over something, he feels some satisfaction at being upset about it—which does not add energy to rectify the deficiency.

It is understood that all this is not just for preaching's sake but to clearly express my firm opinion: It is a very great merit that your activities are in the field of education—not everyone merits this, especially in our times. In all matters of Torah and mitzvah, ability and strength are granted from Above; we are also commanded "and you shall choose life." But ultimately, a person must choose with his own free will. However, regarding all those who were within the walls of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim it is said: "A chassidic piece of bread—bread—never gets lost G‑d forbid." They are given extra inspiration—even dissatisfaction with lack of activity—and are encouraged and strengthened from time to time through hints or sometimes even explicit instruction. Certainly when you reflect on what has happened recently you will find several such hints or instructions. I hope that at least some have already led to real actions—and more will be added continuously.

You surely know the content of my telegrams and letters to the residents of Kfar Chabad in Eretz HaKodesh through Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily; these words are directed at all Anash (our people) and especially those who are meticulous in G‑d's word—and certainly at Temimim (students) and those whose profession this is. My strong hope is that as much as possible—and even more—you will assist in supporting Kfar Chabad and its institutions both quantitatively and qualitatively. I would be pleased to receive good news from you about this as well.

The main point regarding yourself and your letter's conclusion: As above—you find yourself in a position of light; you can ignite Jewish souls—Ner Hashem Nishmas Adam (the candle of G‑d is the soul of man)—of many Jews with chassidic warmth. And obviously what you wrote about troubling me by reading your letter—on the contrary! My strong confidence is that in your future letters there will be lessening sadness—decreasing more each time—and increasing joy—especially joy connected with mitzvah—for bringing Jewish hearts closer to our Father in Heaven.

Blessings for good news soon regarding all the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that sadness hinders progress while positive action brings true results. Recognizing one's Divine mission empowers overcoming obstacles; joyfully engaging in education uplifts both teacher and students.