7110 —עידוד למורים מתנדבים והבהרה על חינוך יהודי

B"H, 9 Kislev, 5720.

Brooklyn, NY.

Mar Shalom Levin.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your letter from the beginning of Cheshvan, though it was delayed in transit. I also delayed my response, thinking you would soon visit Kfar Chabad. But as your visit seems postponed and we have entered the month of Kislev, I will not delay my reply further—especially since I wish to express my satisfaction that our conversation bore fruit: you conveyed the call for teachers to volunteer for youth education, which resonated and many responded positively to this cause.

I hope this good beginning will bring even more volunteers and that the education itself will be the start of complete education as we discussed—that within every Jew is a point of Jewishness, so everyone has a connection to Judaism that can touch their heart with proper inspiration. I refer to traditional Judaism of thousands of years, whose true expression is—as stated in the Mishnah—action is primary, in practical daily life. Each person's Jewish point may manifest openly in charity or another area, but in all cases their heart is awake toward Hashem. Therefore I hope this education will develop into full Jewish education.

Since you have begun this mitzvah, surely you will continue until its completion—as much as one can speak of completion in matters of education, since a person must receive and does receive education every day of his life. Especially according to the Baal Shem Tov's explanation on the Mishnah "Who is wise? One who learns from every person," adding that everything G‑d created in His world is meant to teach man what he should do (quoted in the memoirs of my father-in-law the Rebbe Rayatz, vol. I at the end).

I strongly hope you will not withhold good by informing me about your visit to Kfar Chabad and especially about your continued activities in the areas we discussed—which you also mentioned at the start of your letter—regarding youth education after they finish elementary school.

May it be G‑d's will that these matters develop further as taught by this month's conclusion—Hanukkah days—in a manner of increasing and adding light: an additional candle each day; "Ner Hashem Nishmat Adam" (the candle of Hashem is the soul of man), "Ner Mitzvah v'Torah Or" (a mitzvah is a candle and Torah is light).

With honor and blessing—and allow me also to extend regards to all those who generously volunteered for this cause as mentioned in your letter.

You sent me an excerpt from your article "Yochiach V'Ye'ehav," where you published content from our conversation. Thank you for bringing it to participants' attention at the teachers' gathering and generally to such a circle—perhaps it's their only channel for learning about what we discussed.

At the same time I must express my regret regarding one matter that is inappropriate—and mainly surprising coming from you. I trust you understand I refer to your statement in your article: "for his services and dedication... he will be credited and not punished for his mistakes." According to my recollection, what I said was: even someone with many merits does not thereby have permission to transgress—even minor ones, etc.

What increases my surprise is that surely even according to your own view these words are not accurate as written; using our Sages' style: if you want scriptural proof or logical reasoning—and especially in your field: education. For example, compulsory education—one of Israel's Ministry of Education's first achievements—is based on the principle that although parents bring a child into the world and provide all needs, they are not thereby permitted to educate him however they wish. Those responsible for both public and individual welfare set at least a minimum curriculum over which parents have no say whatsoever.

All the more so regarding our case—where these 'mistakes,' as you call them, affected thousands upon thousands of our fellow Jews. The same applies regarding a person's own affairs. And if you want scriptural proof: this principle appears in many verses—especially Ezekiel (18:24 onward): "when a righteous person turns from his righteousness," etc.

As you conclude your letter hoping we will have another opportunity to continue our conversation—I too hope so. And I cannot restrain myself from mentioning this auspicious year—the 200th anniversary since the passing-hilulah of the Baal Shem Tov. In connection with this I enclose a copy of one of my letters which I hope will interest you; it was printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 22 p. 400 and completed based on an archival copy.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages ongoing dedication to authentic Jewish education rooted in tradition and clarifies that merits never justify transgressions—even minor ones—especially when influencing others. Every Jew has an inner connection to Judaism; true education develops this spark through practical action.