6115 - Upholding Torah Principles in Chabad Education

The Rebbe writes in response to a letter that was forwarded by Yitzchak Ganzburg, which included the contents of a proposal from an individual who offered to donate a school building to the Reshet Oholei Yosef Yitzchak network under three conditions.

The conditions were:

1. The school must have mixed education, with boys and girls studying together.

2. The teachers must not become involved in political matters.

3. The Chabad counselors should cooperate closely with the Vaadat HaNoar of Tnuat HaMoshavim, a youth organization connected with the settlement movement.

The leadership of the Reshet asked the Rebbe for his opinion regarding these conditions.

The Rebbe writes that the response to all three conditions is clear and obvious.

Regarding the first condition — co-education — the Rebbe states that this matter has been discussed many times. Separate education for boys and girls is a fundamental principle of proper education. This is not only from a religious standpoint but also from the standpoint of ethics and sound educational practice.

The Rebbe adds that even among non-religious circles and among non-Jews there is growing recognition that mixed education often leads to negative results, as can be seen clearly in the United States and other countries.

Although there may sometimes be exceptional situations in which such arrangements are temporarily overlooked, for example with very young children or for a short period, it cannot be accepted when it is presented as a formal condition. If mixed education is required as a principle, it directly contradicts Shulchan Aruch, and therefore it is completely unacceptable.

Regarding the second condition — that teachers should not be involved in politics — the Rebbe writes that this condition is unnecessary. The well-known approach of Chabad is that it does not involve itself in political matters at all. Therefore this is not a condition that needs to be imposed on Chabad, since Chabad already maintains a completely non-political stance.

Regarding the third condition — that Chabad counselors should cooperate closely with the youth organization of Tnuat HaMoshavim — the Rebbe explains that this directly contradicts the previous point. That organization operates with a clear political agenda and orientation. Cooperation with it would inevitably involve Chabad institutions in political activity.

Furthermore, the Rebbe notes that it is unrealistic to assume that this youth movement would alter its general program simply for the sake of one Chabad school. Their activities and gatherings are inherently connected with political frameworks.

Even if they promise to respect the religious needs of the students, this does not solve the problem. A program may fully accommodate religious observance and at the same time still promote political agendas. The events and conventions organized by that movement clearly carry a political character, both in the past and in the present.

Therefore, participation in such a framework would contradict the fundamental principle that Chabad educational institutions must remain completely separate from political involvement.

For all of these reasons, the conditions attached to the proposed donation cannot be accepted.

The Rebbe concludes by blessing the leadership of the Reshet with success in their holy work of education.

Summary:
The Rebbe rejects a proposed donation for a Chabad school because it required co-education and cooperation with a politically affiliated youth movement. Chabad education must remain faithful to Torah standards and strictly non-political.