6383 —חיזוק החינוך היהודי והחסידי בסמינר בית רבקה

B"H, 11 Tammuz, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letters and the report from the administration and parents’ meetings. I was pleased to read that everyone is united in heart and voice that it is necessary to further strengthen the Jewish and Chassidic education at the seminary, even more than before, as well as to increase Torah studies. Naturally, this depends on the teaching staff; therefore, you desire that the teachers also be suited for this purpose—that their fear of Heaven precedes their wisdom.

Certainly, based on what was said above, each person—both from the administration and among the teachers—will do everything within their power to achieve these goals. If our Sages said "you have labored and found," how much more so in our times when we see success in efforts regarding Torah and fear of Heaven if only one acts with sincerity and proper energy. Especially in our holy land—which will be rebuilt by Moshiach Tzidkeinu—all this is even more necessary. Therefore, every effort is worthwhile in this regard.

Because of the great importance of this matter, my intention is for all aspects within education. A change in a student affects them for their entire life. It is clear that anything casting doubt on fear of Heaven or traditional Judaism should not be entered into at all—just as even a doubtful situation regarding saving a life is forbidden; this is understood by healthy human intellect as well. This applies to books that are questionable from a fear-of-Heaven perspective, as well as to teachers about whom there is doubt how they will influence students regarding fear of Heaven.

To add further: Even as stated above one must reject such books or teachers even if there are no alternatives—for first and foremost it is upon the administration (and certainly upon the parents) to ensure their students are loyal to G‑d and His Torah; this brings them blessing both materially and spiritually. Surely now it is possible to find teachers and textbooks fully sound in fear of Heaven (as you wrote), whose wisdom also meets appropriate standards. Several Beis Yaakov schools in Eretz HaKodesh have already passed through their initial period of uncertainty; based on years of experience they have shown solutions for these issues. Certainly Beis Rivka Seminary can benefit from these experiences.

According to your letter you unanimously decided that fear of Heaven should come before wisdom—as our Sages say in their teachings. It goes without saying that this precedence applies not only chronologically but also in importance: when choosing between two teachers or textbooks where there is a difference between their levels of fear of Heaven versus wisdom, precedence must be given to the former.

It’s also understood regarding your mention that some subjects were taught at a higher level—that all I wrote above does not mean lowering academic standards where it does not affect matters of fear of Heaven; surely there are no disagreements about this among you. Therefore it’s unclear why you mention this in your letter as if there were any doubt about it.

Your letters are also unclear regarding the issue of establishing a high school program mentioned several times—the seminary is still at its founding stage but has succeeded relatively speaking nonetheless. There’s no reason to give it the character of a high school etc.; I believe I have already written previously that I do not see any merit whatsoever in doing so. The seminary should retain its character as an institution for training teachers and kindergarten instructors—a role which today is most vital.

The concern you mention—that relevant offices may not recognize teachers without matriculation certificates—there are good chances even this will change. Most importantly: even without such recognition there remains a very broad field for teachers and kindergarten instructors without such certification; what matters most is ensuring absolute suitability for their lofty role—not diminishing it even slightly by changing curriculum or altering the seminary’s character.

Merit comes through meritorious days—I write this letter on the eve of Yud-Beis/Yud-Gimmel Tammuz, the redemption days of our Rebbe Nesi’einu who fought undeterred by all obstacles for victory for traditional Chassidic Judaism and pure Torah—a victory revealed before all eyes despite nature suggesting otherwise. The body follows its head: each chassid, follower, or associate should walk his path—especially since here no self-sacrifice at all is required but merely surrendering personal desires so as to be whole with G‑d Who creates and guides each individual with Divine Providence; then everyone’s heart will be whole to follow Torah tradition illuminated with Chassidic warmth—separating from any deviation or doubt with strength and purity—and certainly blessings from Hashem will increase toward achieving these goals with expanded mind and true happiness both materially and spiritually.

In our matter: may parents, teachers, and administration derive much true nachas—Jewish Chassidic nachas—from all graduates of the seminary; justly and proudly they will be able to say: "See what great ones we have raised."

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above—and blessings for Yom HaGeulah (the day of redemption).

Summary

The Rebbe urges unwavering commitment to authentic Jewish-Chassidic education at Beis Rivka Seminary: prioritize fear of Heaven over academic achievement when selecting staff or materials; preserve tradition; avoid compromise—even amid challenges—to ensure lasting spiritual impact on students’ lives.