5454 —עידוד למרות ספק עצמי וקריאה לפעולה להפצת יהדות

Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 15 — Letter #5454
B”H, 16 Iyar, 5717 (May 15, 1957)
Brooklyn, New York

Shalom U’Vracha,

The Rebbe responds to the recipient’s letter dated the 28th of Nissan and confirms that he will once again mention him for blessing and success at the holy resting place of the Frierdiker Rebbe, in connection with all the matters discussed in the letter.

This correspondence appears to follow an earlier exchange concerning the difficult condition of a certain yeshivah institution. The recipient, who served in a spiritual leadership role within the yeshivah, had apparently felt discouraged and emotionally hurt by the Rebbe’s earlier response regarding the responsibility of the staff toward the growth and strengthening of the institution.

The Rebbe addresses directly the recipient’s feeling of “chalishus hadaas” — discouragement or emotional weakness. The recipient had argued that although he was fully devoted to his spiritual responsibilities, there were certain forms of activism and outreach which did not match his natural abilities or temperament. Specifically, he felt incapable of engaging in efforts to recruit and attract new students to the yeshivah.

The Rebbe responds firmly yet constructively.

First, the Rebbe writes that it is far from certain that the recipient is truly incapable of such work. In matters of holiness, success comes only through effort and exertion. Therefore, one cannot determine his capabilities without first investing genuine effort in the matter.

However, even if one were to assume that direct recruitment work is genuinely beyond his natural abilities, the Rebbe explains that there remain many ways to contribute meaningfully. One can inspire and motivate others to become active on behalf of the institution — whether through public speaking, personal conversations, correspondence, or other forms of encouragement.

The Rebbe emphasizes that those who serve within an institution bear the foremost responsibility for its success and continuity. One cannot limit himself by saying, “This is my role, while that responsibility belongs to someone else.” The wellbeing and growth of the yeshivah must become a shared concern of everyone connected to it.

The Rebbe explains the concept of being “osek” in Torah and mitzvos — occupying oneself with holy matters in the same manner that a businessman dedicates himself fully to his livelihood and enterprise. Just as a person naturally invests thought, energy, and concern into his personal business affairs, so too must one approach Torah institutions and spiritual responsibilities with deep personal investment.

The recipient had apparently viewed student recruitment and institutional development as outside the scope of his official position. The Rebbe strongly rejects this approach, explaining that those most closely connected to the yeshivah carry an even greater obligation than others to ensure its success.

The Rebbe compares this to the halachic principle that “the poor of your own city take precedence.” Just as one first bears responsibility for those closest to him, so too must those working within an institution feel personally responsible for its welfare and growth.

The Rebbe further clarifies that these words are not directed solely toward the recipient, but equally toward all members of the administration — the Roshei Yeshivah, Roshei Mesivta, Mashpi’im, and both past and present members of the hanhalah. The Rebbe indicates that the institution’s weakened state stemmed largely from the collective failure to actively and energetically work toward strengthening and expanding the yeshivah.

The Rebbe notes that he does not wish to elaborate at greater length on a subject that is painful and distressing. Nevertheless, the message remains clear: everyone connected with a Torah institution must view its success as a deeply personal responsibility.

Toward the conclusion of the letter, the Rebbe blesses the recipient with improved health and wellbeing. Referring to the teaching of the Alter Rebbe, the Rebbe notes that when Hashem grants Jews physical blessing and health, they are then able to transform that physical strength into spiritual growth and avodas Hashem.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for complete health for the recipient and his family and for good news in all matters discussed.