Strength in the Work of Education

From the Holy Letters of the Rebbe, Volume 17, Letter 6213. Baruch Hashem, the second day of Iyar, 5718, Brooklyn. Addressed to Yaakov Eliezer Herzog of Melbourne, Australia. Shalom u’Vracha.

The Rebbe writes after a very long interruption that he received his letter dated the 25th of Nissan. The recipient had written about the great amount of work required with the students of the yeshivah, and how difficult it is to guide and educate them properly. The Rebbe responds that this challenge is not unique to one institution or one generation. Wherever there are students, there is effort. In every era, the work of education has demanded patience, responsibility, and dedication.

Education, the Rebbe explains, is called Meleches Hashem—the work of Hashem. It is holy work, but it is still work, and serious work at that. Our sages speak extensively about the responsibility of teachers and the constant attention required in caring for students. The Rebbe cites the Gemara in Bava Basra regarding the teacher Shmuel bar Shilas, who was criticized for attending to his garden. He replied that even then, his mind remained on the children. From here we see how deeply an educator must be invested in the welfare of his students. The Rebbe also references the laws of Talmud Torah in Shulchan Aruch.

The recipient also wrote that there should be more gatherings among the Chassidim in Australia. The Rebbe strongly agrees and says such meetings are very important, especially as explained in the maamar Heichaltzu. However, the Rebbe adds an essential principle: for such efforts to endure, they must come from the people themselves. True and lasting growth comes through isarusa deletata, an awakening from below. If it comes only through outside instruction, it will not have the same permanence or effectiveness.

The Rebbe then addresses several practical questions. One concerned teaching Maseches Sotah to students. Since there was disagreement about whether this was appropriate, the Rebbe questions why one should enter a matter of dispute when many other tractates are available and commonly studied in yeshivos. Why create unnecessary debate when the same educational goals can be achieved peacefully through other tractates?

The Rebbe clarifies that when we say one may not skip parts of Torah, that applies when rejecting a section of Torah as a matter of principle. But here, no principle is involved. This is simply a practical educational decision, and therefore wisdom dictates choosing the most suitable and accepted path.

Another question involved saying Hallel before completing one’s own davening. Sometimes a person arrives late, and the congregation is already reciting Hallel. Should he join them immediately, even before finishing Shacharis, or should he complete his prayers first and say Hallel later on his own?

The Rebbe answers that he did not receive a clear directive on this matter. However, Chassidim relate that although the Rebbeim would often daven at great length on Shabbos, on Yom Tov they arranged their prayers so that they could recite Hallel together with the congregation. This indicates the special value of saying Hallel with a minyan. While the matter is not stated explicitly as a ruling, it is clear that joining the tzibur for Hallel carries significance.

The Rebbe concludes with blessings for success in the recipient’s holy work of spreading the wellsprings through proper education, and for success in his personal matters as well. He blesses him with good news in all of the above.

The Rebbe adds a powerful encouragement. The fact that he continues his work in Ohel Yosef Yitzchak—the Chabad institution in Melbourne—without being shaken by those who oppose him is itself praiseworthy. Opposition may come openly or disguised in respectable arguments, but its true source is understood. Rather than weakening a person, such resistance should increase his strength, joy, and gladness of heart in fulfilling his sacred mission.

The Rebbe therefore reassures him that the burdens of education are real, but they are part of the mission itself. Challenges from within and opposition from without are not reasons to retreat. They are opportunities to deepen one’s resolve and continue building Torah with greater wisdom, courage, and joy.

Summary –
The Rebbe teaches that sacred work is rarely easy. Education requires perseverance, wisdom, and heart. When a person remains focused on the mission, even obstacles and opposition become tools for greater growth and success.