Impact Through Everyday Roles

Holy Letters of the Rebbe – Volume 15, Letter 5434
Baruch Hashem, the 8th day of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. Addressed to Mrs. Esther תחי׳ Schepher, Herzliya.

The Rebbe writes in response to her letter, in which she described highlights of her life and asked for guidance regarding how she should establish her future path. She mentioned that she was working as a secretary in an educational institution.

The Rebbe notes that although she did not specify all the details of her position, it is clear that even in the role of secretary she has meaningful opportunities to influence the atmosphere of the institution and to strengthen the spirit of authentic Judaism among those being educated there.

He adds that this is especially so since the head of the institution is himself interested in promoting these values and is doing what he can in that direction. Therefore, her role is not merely administrative. She too can become a partner in shaping the character and spiritual environment of the school.

The Rebbe then develops a broader principle. In the world there are many separate details, many categories, and many forms of activity. Yet all of them ultimately unite in one truth: the oneness of the Creator. So too in a person’s life. Though one’s daily activities may seem varied and disconnected, they all come together in one inner purpose.

That purpose is expressed in the teaching of our sages: Ani nivreisi leshamesh es Koni—“I was created to serve my Creator.” Every task, every occupation, and every stage of life can become part of serving Hashem. As the verse says: Bechol derachecha da’eihu—“In all your ways know Him.”

The Rebbe applies this directly to her situation. Even a position that may appear secondary or technical can become a sacred mission when used to bring goodness, faith, and Torah values into the lives of others.

He adds that this responsibility is especially great for anyone involved in the education of the younger generation. Influence at that stage of life can guide a child toward a lifetime of blessing and growth, or, Heaven forbid, the opposite. Therefore, the merit and responsibility of such work are immense.

The Rebbe emphasizes that Hashem, who is good and upright, gives every person the strength and ability needed to fulfill the mission entrusted to them. If she has been placed in such a role, then she has also been given the inner resources to succeed in it.

The Rebbe explains that he is not merely offering abstract ideas, but responding directly to her request for practical direction and for blessing. His advice is that she should recognize how fortunate she is to be in a position where she can strengthen Yiddishkeit and positively influence others.

This path, the Rebbe writes, is itself a vessel through which Hashem’s blessings can flow—both in her personal matters and in the lives of her husband and entire family.

The Rebbe adds that she surely knows of the longstanding custom of Jewish women to give tzedakah before lighting candles on every Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov.

In a postscript, the Rebbe notes that since her husband is also involved in education, the above message applies to him as well. He expresses the hope that his words will have their intended effect and encourage them both to continue in the sacred work of education.

The message of the letter is uplifting and enduring: no role is small when it can be used for holiness, education shapes generations, and every part of life can become an expression of serving Hashem.