6108 – A Rabbi’s Responsibility: Reach the Youth and Create “Listening Ears”

In the holy letters of the Rebbe, Igros Kodesh, Volume 16, Letter Number 6108, dated Baruch Hashem, the 11th day of Adar, 5718, Brooklyn, the Rebbe writes to Harav Hagaon Moreinu Betzalel Hillel Medalia.

The Rebbe opens with Shalom u’vracha and confirms receipt of the rabbi’s letter written on Motzei Shabbos Parshas Yisro.

Rabbi Betzalel Hillel Medalia came from a distinguished Chassidic background. His father was a prominent Chassid and served as the rabbi of Moscow. During the Bolshevik period he was arrested, and tragically his fate became unknown; he never returned. The letter is addressed to one of his sons, who himself was a respected rabbi and scholar.

The Rebbe addresses a matter raised in the rabbi’s letter. The rabbi had explained why he did not organize a farbrengen for Yud Tes Kislev, the well-known day of redemption of the Alter Rebbe. His explanation was that the Chabad shul in his community had been “emptied of its elders,” and therefore there were not enough people interested in such a gathering.

The Rebbe responds firmly but respectfully.

The Rebbe writes that this explanation does not answer the question. On the contrary, it actually strengthens the question.

If the elders are no longer present, that is precisely why greater effort is required.

The Rebbe explains that the responsibility of a communal activist, and especially a rabbi, is not only to address those who are already receptive. The Rebbe uses the expression “oznayim shom’os”—ears that are ready to listen.

Previous leaders may have prepared a community where people were already receptive to Torah and Chassidus. But the task of a rabbi is not limited to speaking to those who already listen.

The rabbi must also work to influence the younger generation, so that they too become “oznayim shom’os,” people who are prepared to listen and learn, and who will continue in the path of the previous generation.

The Rebbe then notes an important point about the situation of the times.

In recent years, the work of influencing the youth has actually become easier.

The reason is that many young people have been shaken by the events and upheavals of the world. The many ideologies and systems that once inspired people—various political and philosophical movements—have lost their credibility.

Young people who once believed deeply in these ideals have seen that they do not provide real answers.

The Rebbe explains this with an analogy.

Normally, when one wants to change a person’s direction in life, it requires two steps: first uprooting him from his existing worldview, and then planting him into a new one.

But now, the first stage has already happened.

Events of the world have already uprooted many young people from the systems and ideas they once believed in.

The Rebbe references the language of Chazal regarding Nevuchadnezzar, who “confused the entire world.” The meaning here is not necessarily literal relocation, but a deep upheaval of established frameworks and ideas.

Because of this upheaval, many young people now feel that the ideologies they once trusted—various political and social “isms”—are empty and unreliable.

Their foundations have been shaken.

And precisely because they have been uprooted from those beliefs, they are now ready to listen to something deeper and more meaningful.

Therefore, the Rebbe tells the rabbi that this is not a reason to refrain from action. On the contrary, it is a great opportunity.

A rabbi must work to transform these young people into “ears that listen,” guiding them toward Torah and Chassidus and connecting them to the heritage of the previous generation.

The Rebbe then turns to another subject discussed in earlier correspondence between them.

In a previous letter (Letter 5822), the Rebbe had discussed sources regarding the significance of a birthday (Yom Holedes).

The Rebbe had cited a passage in the Jerusalem Talmud (Yerushalmi, Rosh Hashanah 3:6) which indicates that a person’s mazal is strengthened on the day of his birthday.

Rabbi Medalia apparently challenged this proof and attempted to bring other sources instead.

The Rebbe expresses surprise at this approach.

First, the Rebbe writes that the passage in the Yerushalmi clearly indicates that a person’s fortune or spiritual influence increases on the day of his birthday.

Second, the alternative sources presented by the rabbi do not actually demonstrate that point at all.

The Rebbe therefore asks: why attempt to replace a source that clearly proves the idea with sources that do not show it?

The Rebbe concludes the letter by extending blessings.

 

He wishes the rabbi a happy Purim and blessings for good news in all of the matters discussed.