7535 —הערכת ערך המאמצים החינוכיים והצלחה אמיתית

B"H, 8 Teves, 5721.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from Sunday, as well as the previous one. Thank you for the good news about the success of the medical treatment; may it be G‑d's will that you soon return to full strength and share good news yourself.

Regarding your writing about the institution and your consideration to transfer it to a certain organization, it is clear and simple that every leader must clarify the authority of those receiving the institution on its main matter—education in purity and holiness. After all, this is the main point: that those being educated grow up on the foundations of our Torah and its mitzvos. Even though this seems limitless, in such matters it must be ensured that there is no reduction or diminishment from the education until now. I do not know if this can be guaranteed (bavarnen) in a transfer or sale contract, but we see clearly that in matters of spirit and outlook—even things signed upon—are only upheld if they fit with the signer's spirit, for excuses are never lacking.

If this condition is properly met as required, then it is worthwhile to reconsider whether this step is advisable. It would be best if this consideration takes place after knowing clearly what budget prospects exist for the coming academic year; I mean seeking assistance from various offices and organizations which will surely discuss budgets in coming weeks, thus clarifying these matters as well.

In accordance with these two points mentioned above—you and your wife should decide on this matter. May it be G‑d's will, Who watches over each individual with Divine Providence, that everything should be good in all details—for both the institution's matters and for yourselves. This concludes what relates to practical action.

Now I feel obligated—and perhaps privileged—to clarify my view on points raised in your letter as explanation for your above-mentioned consideration. The underlying idea: much effort, energy, time, health etc., have been invested in the institution; seeing its current state does not encourage you to continue. It is understandable to wonder at such phrasing since the institution's purpose is educating Jewish boys and girls. When summing up whether all this effort was worthwhile, one must first examine its fruits: how many boys and Avrechim put on tefillin or pray thanks to their education here—and similarly regarding girls and young women.

Since certainly a significant number have already married and are building Jewish homes based on Torah and mitzvos—one should consider what would have been without their education at your institution. Surely it's easy to estimate this at least somewhat by comparing statistics from other institutions' alumni. If saving even one Jewish soul is considered by our Sages as saving an entire world—how much more so when dealing with tens of souls or more; as above, with dozens of Jewish homes whose Torah observance affects them for generations to come.

All this follows what is explained simply in Shulchan Aruch—or even more so in books of Mussar—and especially when considering it through Chassidus: teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and Rabbeinu HaZaken (the Alter Rebbe) etc., their foundations. I'll mention just two sayings: (a) The Baal Shem Tov said a soul descends into a body for seventy or eighty years just to do one favor for another Jew—materially or spiritually; (b) Rabbeinu HaZaken said any mitzvah performed creates a unity Above that is eternal (Tanya ch. 25). That means if somewhere there is even one boy or girl who recites blessings or Shema Yisrael etc., then for this alone it was worth all those souls descending from a great height to a deep pit for seventy or eighty years—and moreover they cause something Above that is eternal.

Even if you and your wife are not currently feeling uplifted for whatever reason—I am certain that even by your own estimation hundreds of Jewish souls were saved from total assimilation thanks to you—brought instead to lives according to Torah and mitzvos at least occasionally; tens of thousands of such actions were accomplished through your efforts. Since both of you are believers—the question whether all this effort was worthwhile can hardly arise!

If indeed it is certain beyond doubt that it was worthwhile—then immediately you must change your outlook on your work at the institution: experience immense joy and true gladness at having merited such success in this field.

Upon reflection (even brief) on what was said above—the claim about livelihood issues—that now both must toil while in other fields only one works—is irrelevant because your livelihood here is spiritual: "set upon earth but its head reaches heaven" (and precisely: "heaven" means higher than heaven; "set upon earth" means lower than ordinary earth—from lowest low to highest high). If your wife has her own accomplishments in addition to sharing her husband's achievements—there can be no greater portion than this!

This could be elaborated much further but my intent here was only key points. If you reflect honestly on reality—there's no need for lengthy overseas letters; rather being present locally allows adding ever more accomplishments.

I am aware of the most obvious response—that one could engage in Torah activities elsewhere without facing these difficulties—but aside from the main point (that such opportunities do not arise every day; as you wrote yourself—it is above nature that such an institution exists privately), every soul has its unique mission and ability—not always can a person switch roles [though he can always fulfill his role or not—for everything is in Heaven's hands except fear of Heaven; free choice remains].

This brings us to another point hinted between the lines: perhaps health issues requiring surgery/treatment came due to exertion over the institution etc.—but though we cannot know fully, since Scripture says "If you walk in My statutes," which Rashi explains as laboring in Torah study—and then "I will give..." all blessings listed—it makes more sense to say that successful treatment/recovery should be credited precisely to your efforts with the institution!

If—as seems from your letter—you are sure that giving charity contributed to medical success, then certainly actual charity with body/soul (not just money)—investing one's very being into charity—is far greater still! As stated: "Charity exalts a nation."

I believe I already wrote previously that my intent is never rebuke nor criticism about past actions—but only regarding future conduct; likewise here—I merely wish to show how I see your sum total work at the institution (which I am sure reflects reality), so you should draw true joy and gladness from it.

May it be G‑d's will—that since His measure responds measure-for-measure but many times over—you derive true nachas from all descendants (nachas Yisraeli-Chassidi), as well as from students whom you've brought toward eternal life—and nowadays also toward good life here below—for without this people unfortunately decline even materially.

I hope for good news regarding all mentioned above; may it come amid health, joy, and true gladness.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true success lies not only in visible achievements but especially in spiritual impact—every mitzvah performed or soul uplifted has infinite value. One should find deep joy knowing their efforts bring lasting benefit beyond measure.