7438 —עידוד קיום מצוות מעשיות בקרב תלמידים ונוער

B"H, the days of Selichos, 5720.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter in due course. Although due to many preoccupations I did not reply in writing until now, please know that I have been following the developments and changes in the institution you head, especially regarding the mood of its students.

This brings me to again emphasize a point I have spoken about on several occasions—and I believe also in my previous letter to you—namely: As far as can be determined, there has never been an opportunity like our present days to inspire youth and young people to accept the yoke of Torah and mitzvos in a literal sense—that is, to observe mitzvos in daily life through practical fulfillment. Every moment and every opportunity not properly utilized for this is a loss that cannot be recovered.

Of course, my intent is not that by preaching words of rebuke or inspiration on this topic the listeners will immediately become fully observant of all Torah and its 613 mitzvos. But certainly—as experience has shown—these words will effect not only a theoretical shift but also prepare the soul for practical change, as above regarding mitzvah observance where action is paramount.

It is unfortunate that specifically those who are leaders and influencers—who by nature are older than their listeners and students and whose spiritual character was formed twenty or thirty years ago—still remain fearful with concerns that were relevant then. These fears are based on the slogan "If you grasp too much you grasp nothing," so even a hair's breadth seems like a mountain or excessive grasping. It is difficult to convince them otherwise since they claim fear of Heaven: if they inspire youth as described at the start of my letter, it might frighten them away and sever all connection—who knows where they might end up?

I wrote all this openly because it is reported that you yourself do not share this fear. Nevertheless, I am certain you are not utilizing your full influence in this direction [perhaps due to opposition from those middle-aged individuals mentioned above. Even this concern—with apologies—has no basis in reality since, as noted above, the listeners and students will surely side with you; especially in America where parents increasingly listen to their children and teachers to their students].

Incidentally, this is also one of the signs of Ikvesa d'Meshicha—the last generation in exile before the beginning of redemption—as prophesied "He will turn the hearts of fathers through their children," which Rashi explains as "through children." Although initially this is contrary to blessing—as stated at the end of Tosefta Sotah: "Youths will shame elders; a son disgraces his father," etc.—we are commanded to transform darkness into light and bitterness into sweetness.

Regarding your writing about the value of study and analysis: although halachah rules "study is greater," it immediately explains why—because it leads to action. Moreover, for study to succeed and become internalized, it must not contradict—even if only obviously—the daily lives of those engaged in learning, both teacher and student.

Even more so: according to Chassidus' explanation of Jewish soul nature, preparing oneself to absorb Torah—which is both holy Torah and a Torah of life—is specifically through daily living aligned with its teachings. This marks a fundamental difference between our Torah—even though it is called "your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of nations"—and other wisdoms or sciences: when studying secular wisdom—even ethics—it does not hinder understanding if one's behavior contradicts what is being studied; but with Torah study—not only its ethical parts but even laws such as purity/impurity—it does matter.

This is emphasized by our Sages' brief saying: "And Hashem was with him; halachah follows his opinion everywhere." Only because Hashem was with him were his rulings correct—in Mishnah's words: because his awe preceded his wisdom.

All this applies according to your approach outlined in your letter about prioritizing study. But according to my view—even without that—the emphasis on action is essential since it is the tool for exerting immediate ongoing influence on youth so they can later apply it also toward diligence in their studies.

You surely know that this year marks two hundred years since the passing-hilulah of our teacher the Baal Shem Tov z"l. In connection with this we published Sefer Baal Shem Tov which has been sent separately to you. Even though I do not know your attitude toward Chassidus matters, I am certain you will find much interest—and perhaps additional explanation or support—for what was written above.

With honor and blessing for good tidings—and with wishes for being inscribed and sealed for a good sweet year.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that inspiring youth toward practical mitzvah observance should be prioritized over theoretical study alone; every opportunity must be seized as action leads both to spiritual growth and lasting impact on students' lives.