7754 —הדרכה למחנכי נוער ובחירת דרך הטוב האמיתי

B"H, 22 Elul, 5721.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter, in which you write an outline of your life story and your current position, which is mainly in guiding youth. Fortunate is your lot that you have been given the opportunity to influence and take part in shaping the character of Jewish youth—something that can affect their entire lives, meaning decades and the building of their homes when they marry, etc.

I wrote above "fortunate is his lot." This applies in all cases: if it is a good portion when one can help someone else materially or spiritually even in a temporary or short-term matter—how much more so when it comes to assistance that is both material and spiritual together and for a long time, perhaps even for their entire lives.

However, regarding all matters about which our Torah of Life says "I have set before you life and good, death and evil," the hope—as the Torah concludes "and you shall choose life"—is that the person given this opportunity will choose the path of life and good; that is, he will use all his ability and influence to guide his students toward true life and goodness. As with any matter of truth, its test is that it does not fade after a few moments, days, or weeks but continues for a long time—even eternally.

But at the same time—the yetzer hara (evil inclination) interferes, confuses, and tempts one to use this opportunity for the opposite end. It is understood that it speaks to each person "in his language," with arguments and enticements likely to be heard. But since everything in this world happens with order and calculation—not by chance—everyone has been given the ability to choose between two paths as well as the strength to withstand the temptations of the yetzer hara. In such cases—his merit is very great; as said above: fortunate is his lot; it is good and beautiful.

The answer to the famous question is known: since sometimes the yetzer hara disguises itself in a form that appears good and beautiful—meaning it tempts with arguments that at first glance seem right and just—how can one tell whether an argument comes from good or evil? Based on what was written above, one test—in regard to an individual case at least—is that after committing a transgression (due to strong desire), one feels regret afterward; this feeling only grows stronger over time. In contrast, after doing something good, there is even greater satisfaction as time passes.

A test regarding groups (and this applies also in your case where you guide a group or circle): One should reflect on Jewish history—to see what conduct has preserved our people through its long and varied history—even though "in every generation they rise up against us," with many mighty nations against our weak few. Even with brief reflection one sees: all those circles who deviated from tradition and placed their trust in surrounding cultures—even if they translated them into our language or tried adapting them (those who followed Assyria/Babylon during First Temple times; Hellenizers at the start of Second Temple; later those drawn after Spanish philosophy in medieval times; similarly Mendelssohn’s students in Germany who followed French enlightenment—the founders of Reform)—after a generation or two or three nothing remained among our people: some returned from these ideas; others assimilated completely among surrounding nations—leaving no trace among Jews after them.

Only practical mitzvos—from Sinai’s giving of Torah where it was said "Do not make for yourself an idol," "Keep Shabbat," "Do not do any work," etc., mitzvos like tzitzis and tefillin, dietary laws forbidding animals without split hooves/chewing cud—these are found throughout all three thousand years plus of Jewish history unchanged. The conclusion is clear.

May it be G‑d’s will that you use your opportunity accordingly—and fulfill it so well that you also influence your fellow educators by example. The merit of many—the students influenced—will help you.

These days—the days of Elul—are days of Divine favor: a month for accounting for last year and preparing for next year. Especially regarding you—as you prepare (as you wrote) for your upcoming wedding—a time needing special blessing from Creator and Guide of the world: thus your positive actions for many are themselves channels for increasing Hashem’s blessing for all your needs—and those of your bride-to-be. May you have only good news in all these matters—and ever-increasingly so.

It goes without saying—you are permitted (and privileged) to share all this with your fellow educators.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches youth educators about their profound impact on future generations. He urges careful discernment between true good and misleading influences by reflecting on Jewish continuity through mitzvah observance—and encourages sharing these lessons with peers.