6064 - Youth Work as Privilege and Channel of Blessing

This transcript is based on the letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, found in Igros Kodesh, Volume 16, Letter 6064. The letter is addressed to Rabbi Yitzchak Gansburg, a devoted activist and leader within the Chabad movement in Israel.

Introduction

In this profound correspondence dated the 20th of Shevat, 5718 (1958), the Lubavitcher Rebbe addresses Rabbi Yitzchak Gansburg, a tireless activist for the Chabad Youth Organization (Tzeirei Agudas Chabad) and the Chabad school network (Reshet) in Israel. The Rebbe provides a masterclass in the psychology of communal service, reframing "burdens" as "pipelines for blessing." He utilizes agricultural metaphors, Yiddish folklore, and Chassidic philosophy to encourage Rabbi Gansburg and his colleagues to move beyond the excitement of one-off events toward the sustained "harvest" of ongoing educational work. The letter also addresses practical concerns regarding tithing (Maaser) and the necessity of local leadership taking initiative rather than waiting for specific directives for every detail.

 

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The Rebbe’s Letter to Rabbi Yitzchak Gansburg

Shalom u’Vracha,

I wish to confirm the receipt of your letters from the 9th of Shevat and those preceding and following it. In them, you outline the highlights of your holy work within the "Reshet" school network and the Chabad Youth Organization (Tzeirei Agudas Chabad) in Israel.

I was particularly pleased to read about the youth gathering held in Kfar Chabad. I trust that we will soon receive even more detailed reports from this event. It is my hope that the impact and practical results of these gatherings continue long into the future.

As I have written several times, gatherings like these—and even a farbrengen (a Chassidic gathering)—can be compared to "plowing and sowing." If one wishes to see growth, one must plow the ground and sow the seeds. However, the "harvest" is a separate and subsequent step. The gathering is the beginning; it prepares the soil and plants the inspiration. But it is vital to understand that after the event, consistent work is required to ensure that what has been planted grows properly and successfully. Do not stop at the inspiration; you must continue to tend the garden.

Communal Work: A Privilege, Not a Liability

It appears from your letter that, despite my previous words of encouragement, there remains a lack of absolute recognition regarding the nature of the Chabad Youth Organization. This work must not be viewed as a liability or a burden upon its members. It is not a heavy load to be carried; it is a privilege and a merit.

Furthermore, this work is the very pipeline for both your spiritual and physical livelihood. When I speak of "livelihood," I mean it in the broadest sense—encompassing all human needs: food, clothing, shelter, children, health, and a life of abundance. This is the way to draw down sustenance in all these areas. I am surprised that this truth has not yet fully penetrated your awareness, as it is a concept explained frequently in Chassidic teachings.

Overcoming the "Fool in the Market"

There is a Yiddish proverb based on a Russian folk song: "Durin v'Marko"—the fool in the market. This refers to someone who hangs around the marketplace but neither buys nor sells; he is simply there without purpose. In a sense, the Yetzer Hara (the evil inclination) acts like this fool, attempting to distract us in the "marketplace" of the world.

By recognizing the foolishness of these distractions, we can diminish the obstacles they present. As explained in Iggeret HaKodesh (Chapter 25), when one realizes that the Yetzer Hara only dominates a person to their own detriment, that recognition gives one the power to overcome it.

When you encounter disruptions—such as during prayer—the very act of overcoming that obstacle can arouse a person to pray with even greater intent from the depths of the heart. The purpose of all Torah and Mitzvot is Dveikut—to be connected to Hashem. Through these challenges, we are often able to awaken a stronger, deeper connection. I pray that you find the right words to illuminate this concept for yourself and your colleagues, making your service to Hashem easier and more joyful.

The Paradox of Tithing (Maaser)

Regarding your question about tithing (Maaser) from your income: you mentioned that your current salary is barely enough to cover your expenses, making it difficult to give ten percent to charity.

The Code of Jewish Law (Shulchan Aruch) and Chassidic tradition are clear on this. Our Sages taught: "Melech Mamon Chaser"—if you want to "salt" (preserve) your money, you must diminish it through charity. Giving Maaser is not a loss; it is the preservative that protects and increases your wealth. I do not agree with any suggestion to stop tithing. On the contrary, giving is what ensures the preservation of your sustenance.

Initiative and Leadership

Finally, regarding the use of my previous letter from Hanukkah for fundraising purposes: you expressed concern that people might not take a general letter seriously as a directive.

Those who wish to utilize that letter for the benefit of the school network should do so without hesitation. It is a public letter, and anyone interested can find direction within it.

You have asked for specific, detailed instructions for every aspect of the work in Tzeirei Agudas Chabad. However, while I have written many letters to Kfar Chabad, I do not always specify exactly who should do what. This is because for leadership to be lasting and effective, it must come from your own initiative.

If I provide every detail as a command from above, it becomes a yoke that may not be sustained. You must choose the work you want to do because you are satisfied and inspired by it. While "accepting the yoke of Heaven" is the necessary root of our service, the work itself must also come from within you to be truly successful.

I am pleased with the gatherings you are conducting. Continue to follow up on them, realizing that this work is your greatest source of blessing.

With blessings,

[The Rebbe’s Signature]