Teaching as a Fulfillment of Torah

Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 15, letter number 5,448. Baruch Hashem, the 14th of Iyar, 5717, Brooklyn. To the young man, the Chassid, Rabbi David Tzvi Marzebach, from Be'er Sheva. Shalom u’vracha.

The Rebbe writes that he is responding to the letter of the 7th of Iyar, in which the writer informed him that he is now serving as a maggid shiur, giving classes in the Yeshivah in Be'er Sheva.

The Rebbe explains that anyone who comes into contact with Jewish children in the role of teacher or educator must remain focused on the central goal. The purpose is not only to transmit knowledge or engage in intellectual study, important as Torah learning certainly is. The deeper purpose is to instill in the students a spirit of Yiras Shamayim and commitment to practical observance of mitzvos.

The Rebbe writes that the urgent need of the hour is that whenever one has influence over Jewish boys or girls, the main point must be to inculcate within them reverence for Heaven and awareness of the absolute necessity of doing mitzvos in practice.

Although the manner of presentation will differ according to age and level, whether younger students or older ones, the objective remains the same. The form may change, but the purpose does not.

The Rebbe adds that if a teacher reflects properly, he can always find a way within any subject being taught to include an element that awakens Yiras Shamayim and leads to practical lessons in mitzvah observance. Whatever the topic of study, there is always an avenue through which spiritual inspiration can be woven into the lesson.

The Rebbe then cites the verse: “Fear G-d and keep His commandments, for this is the whole man.” This emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of a person is expressed through reverence for Hashem and faithful observance of His commandments.

From this, the Rebbe says, one can also understand the answer to the concern mentioned at the end of the writer’s letter. The writer felt pained that by teaching others he was losing time that could have been devoted to his own Torah study.

The Rebbe responds that this is not bittul Torah. It is not a waste of Torah time. On the contrary, it is the sustaining of Torah.

Especially in a place such as Be'er Sheva, where qualified teachers are lacking, there is a clear halachic principle that when a mitzvah cannot be done by others, one interrupts personal study in order to fulfill that mitzvah. Since there is no one else to do this task in his place, his teaching is itself the proper fulfillment of Torah.

Therefore, the Rebbe tells him not to feel badly at all. On the contrary, he should recognize the greatness of the mission entrusted to him.

The Rebbe adds that he has instructed the secretariat to send the requested Kehot publications, and he asks that receipt be confirmed.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for success in drawing the hearts of the Jewish people close to their Father in Heaven, making them earnest and serious regarding the word of Hashem, and strengthening them in Torah study and mitzvah observance.

The message of the letter is that true teaching means more than conveying information. It means shaping hearts, building faith, and guiding students toward a life of Torah and mitzvos. In doing so, the teacher is not stepping away from Torah—he is carrying Torah forward.

Summary – The Rebbe teaches that the highest form of education joins learning with character, faith, and action. Teaching others to live Torah is itself one of the greatest ways to learn and sustain Torah.