6213 —עוז במלאכת החינוך והתמודדות עם אתגרים

B"H, 2 Iyar, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n Melachto Melachet Shamayim Yaakov Eliezer Herzog

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After the longest pause, your letter from the 25th of Nissan was received, in which you write that much significant work is needed with the yeshiva students there and you provide reasons for this. Certainly it is unnecessary to elaborate to you, as this applies to yeshiva students everywhere—even in earlier generations—since this is called "the work of Hashem," and our Sages greatly emphasized the immense responsibility and constant involvement required. See Bava Basra 8b. Also see Hilchot Talmud Torah in Shulchan Aruch and Hilchot Talmud Torah by Rabbeinu HaZaken, among others.

Regarding your comment that meetings of Anash should be held more frequently—this is certainly very correct, especially as explained in Kuntres HeChaltzu. However, for such matters to endure they must be done through personal initiative (hisorerut d'letata), as is evident in practice—not by orders from elsewhere.

Concerning your note about studying Masechet Sotah with the students: it is surprising—since there are differences of opinion on this matter—why get involved in it? Especially since in classes like those you describe, many other tractates have been studied in yeshivot from time immemorial; why change this? As for relying on Kuntres Tnuat HaHaskalah etc.—there it discusses skipping (certain material), and also not to categorically reject it; this should be understood.

About reciting Hallel before prayer—I have not heard an explicit directive on this. However, it is told among Chassidim that although our Rebbeim would prolong their Shabbat prayers for hours after the congregation finished, on Yom Tov they would arrange to finish Shacharit with the congregation and say Hallel together with them.

Blessings for success in holy work—spreading the wellsprings through appropriate education—and also in your personal matters.

Blessings for good news regarding all mentioned above—and especially that you perform your work in Oholei Yosef Yitzchak without being affected at all by temptations against it—from wherever or however openly they may come (for their true source is clear)—and on the contrary, these temptations only add to your strength, joy, and good heartedness in this sacred work.

Summary

The Rebbe emphasizes steadfastness and initiative in educational efforts despite obstacles or differing opinions. True success comes from personal dedication and not external commands; challenges should strengthen one's resolve and joy in fulfilling one's mission.