8155 —עמידה איתנה נגד התנגדות בחינוך חב"ד

B"H, 25 Iyar, 5718. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 22nd of Iyar, my telegram has surely already reached you. I must emphasize again that not only am I distressed, but I also do not understand the position of Anash on this matter—especially as they seem to view themselves as needing the favor of those who fight against them and therefore feel compelled to comply with all their strange demands (as I wrote to A.), which are also contrary to simple and healthy logic.

As for your letter's conclusion that they promised to change their attitude, I do not know who made such a promise; according to the information received, on the contrary—the attitude is only worsening. Even granting them the benefit of the doubt, it appears they do whatever they please while Anash come submissively and ask their permission—whether Anash are allowed to engage in education as our Rebbeim have instructed us or if PVP does not desire it and therefore they should withdraw. Furthermore, some among Anash even send their children specifically to those who have taken an oppositional stance toward Chabad and its matters.

This is also audacious—to open an educational institution within the four cubits of Tomchei Temimim Yeshivah—and then demand that Chabad close its own school. Perhaps your letter's conclusion stems from fear over who will prevail in this matter; but we have already seen similar opposition arise against our Rebbeim's affairs, and it is evident who ultimately prevailed. It is disgraceful and infuriating that things have reached a point where the opposing side feels empowered to speak in terms of duty and mitzvah as if we need their favor—not only receiving no response but even being appeased by us.

My hope, as I wrote in my telegram, is that at least now all Anash will mobilize for our Rebbeim's causes—for we are fulfilling their mission—and when we act with strength in this matter, immediately it will be clear that this was only a test: there is no real opposition here—just baseless audacity.

I am not specifying in this letter which school Anash children should attend—because it is astonishing and incomprehensible that one must cable across the ocean that Chassidim of our Rebbeim must place their children in our Rebbeim's schools; obviously they must distance themselves from any school opposed to our Rebbeim.

Blessings for good news in all these matters, and in the words of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe: "to receive the Torah with joy and inwardness." Awaiting good news on this matter soon.

P.S. Due to urgency, this reply was sent without waiting for its turn. Printed in Kuntres "Tzaddik LaMelech" vol. 1 p. 103.

Summary

The Rebbe urges unwavering commitment to Chabad education despite opposition, emphasizing unity and strength among Anash while rejecting submission or compromise with those who oppose Chabad values.