5866 —חינוך, הדרכה קהילתית, וזהירות בדיבור

B"H, 22 Menachem Av, 5718. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 16th of Menachem Av, with its enclosure, at an auspicious time I will read the pan at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzukal lehavdil ben chayim mezal ziya, and may it be G‑d's will that you share good news among us. Many thanks for the precious gift—another letter from my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzukal lehavdil ben chayim mezal ziya—especially regarding the matter based on our Sages' saying: "Milta albishaihu yakira."

Regarding what you wrote about Yochanan Sheyichyeh: In my opinion, aside from the general principle that each person has a mitzvah they must be especially careful with—and Divine Providence shows what it is—in this case it is Chinuch within the framework of Torah and mitzvot. Another essential point is that measure for measure is G‑d's way; increasing education for G‑d's children increases success in educating one's own children. This increase in Chinuch applies not only to students already in classes but also to efforts to bring in more students—even into other classes—and not as you wrote previously that you are not involved in this.

Regarding your question about being appointed to collect Maamad funds: In general, this is something that Anash on site should decide since it depends on local details. However, most often the one considered for appointment is close to himself and may lean matters one way or another; therefore he should not rely solely on himself but rather depend on the opinion of Anash around him and act according to their guidance.

Regarding your discussion whether one must be careful not to speak about [opponents], there is no benefit even in speaking about someone who is among the lowest of the low. As for your example that someone once did so—there is a rule in halachic decisions: if we do not know the reason behind something, we cannot derive a ruling from it—especially when the negative aspect is clear and certain and it would take deep contemplation to find any positive side which can only be reached through such a crooked path. Additionally, especially in our generation and environment where these days are dedicated to spreading the wellsprings outward, such speech not only does not help but actually hinders—and hinders strongly.

Blessings for good news in all of the above. The report from 27 Nissan until 10 Elul was received in due time.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that dedication to Chinuch benefits both community and family; communal decisions should be made collectively rather than individually; and caution must be exercised in speech as negative talk harms spiritual progress and outreach efforts.