6280 —השפעת רב ומורה בהפצת היהדות וחסידות

B"H, 26 Iyar, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Harav vavac"h iy"a nu"n baal meretz etc. Menachem Rakman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter—due to many preoccupations my reply was delayed until now, please accept my apology. In line with our Sages' saying that everything follows the conclusion, I was pleased to read at the end of your letter that you are ready and satisfied to increase your efforts in spreading Judaism and its matters illuminated by the explanations of Chassidus and its worldview.

Certainly, it is unnecessary to point out the special opportunities you have in this regard, since you lead a community of many families, each soul being a world unto itself. In addition, as a teacher and professor, you have a unique connection with many young people and students in your class—and through them also with their friends. Most of them surely relate to you as students do to one from whom they receive instruction; that is, they accept your words as they are. Although this increases the responsibility of the influencer and teacher, it mainly increases his ability to bring positive change among youth. Even if the change is small, it grows together with the student's maturity—as is well known from the example that a small change in a seed can be decisive when it grows into a fruit-bearing tree.

It seems to me that the field in which you teach is ethics and human character traits—that is, an area directly connected with the goals toward which Chassidus aspires. Even if next year you teach another subject, ultimately every topic can yield an ethical lesson relevant for practical application in one's life in this world; therefore, it too can serve as a channel for imparting desirable influence.

Another point—though in a specific area—also carries much influence: In past years and surely also in the future you have been a member of the committee through the Claims Conference regarding grants given for culture, fellowship, publishing, etc. Here there is broad scope and ability through your opinion and influence so that your colleagues will also express their desired views regarding support for activities aligned with our holy Torah's spirit and Jewish tradition—and to prevent assistance or cooperation with matters opposed to Hashem's Torah and mitzvos.

I have already said several times—and from time to time my conviction grows stronger as reality proves it more—that the public in America these years is capable of receiving (and mostly even demands) that clear truth be told to them—even if it is sharp and uncompromising. Even those who are not ready for major personal changes toward greater observance are willing to help such changes happen on a communal level—if only they are shown the way and convinced that this is truly the path of truth.

As we approach Shavuos—the time of receiving our Torah—when Israel became "a treasured nation among all peoples," "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation," it is Torah ordination that established rabbis within Israel: rabbis empowered because they convey complete Torah knowledge and instill this perspective into their surroundings—especially their communities. May it be Hashem's will that everyone granted influence—especially those serving as rabbis—fulfill this role fully; as my revered father-in-law the Rebbe would say: "to receive the Torah with joy and inwardness."

With honor and festival blessings.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages those with positions of influence—especially rabbis and teachers—to use every opportunity to spread authentic Judaism and Chassidus. Even small efforts can yield great results over time when rooted in truth and clarity.