6294 —התייחסות לחלישות הדעת, חינוך תורה, ואתגרים בישיבה

B"H, 4 Sivan, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n Melachto Melachet Shamayim Shlomo Chaim Kaselman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Rosh Chodesh Sivan with the enclosed pan to be read at an auspicious time at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law the Rebbe zatzal. You write about feelings of discouragement and complaints from a certain individual—and surely everyone is doing what they can to improve the situation. One's responsibility is only to prepare the channel and vessel, since my revered father-in-law the Rebbe and his father the Rebbe—zatzal—stand and arouse abundant mercy for matters of Torah and mitzvot wherever they are, especially in Eretz HaKodesh. A tzaddik decrees and the Holy One fulfills; but below we must be ready to receive this influence. After all, we are in a physical world where everything must have a natural foothold—even in matters of Torah and its inner dimension which by nature changes reality—yet it is still written: 'And Hashem will bless you in all that you do.'

Regarding what you wrote about students learning halachic instruction etc.—with apologies, as in several previous letters you raise undesirable details about this matter without offering advice. While clarifying what is undesirable is necessary and correct, it is not the goal; after all, a doctor's benefit is not just in diagnosing illness but in healing it. The issue you write about—that many from Anash and especially young people need education on pure holiness—is essential. When my revered father-in-law came here he took select avrechim and students from the yeshiva and sent them to outlying cities to teach Torah from alef-bet onward; similarly—and perhaps even more so—this is now the case in Eretz HaKodesh (though there it concerns alef-bet for Judaism itself since literal alef-bet does not require teaching). This also affects the existence of the yeshiva: if there are no kids (i.e., cheder students influenced by Chabad), where will mature goats come from (i.e., students for Tomchei Temimim)? This should be clear.

It is surprising that you do not mention preparations for Shavuot within the yeshiva walls. Also, as known from previous years, now is already time to discuss summer vacation plans since for several years there have been many opinions on this matter; as a result things have not followed an organized plan and damage has increased. This should be clear.

Blessings in the wording of my revered father-in-law: to receive the Torah with joy and inwardness.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while identifying problems is important, true leadership means offering solutions and fostering positive action. Preparing oneself spiritually enables one to receive blessings from Above. Thoughtful planning ensures continuity in Torah education despite challenges.