9235 —עזיבת הרבנות, בתי ספר חב"ד, ויסוד ישיבה

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter:

a) Regarding the personal matter—leaving the rabbinate—it is absolutely forbidden to even consider such a thing. We are pained over those who have left (in our times), and I include him among them. If both options exist for him, it must be considered from the outset that a business like the one you describe has no set time limit, and its mental involvement has a particularly strong pull (since novelty is dear to a person). He must estimate for himself whether he can truly limit himself as required. It is also necessary to consider the impression on the community and its strength when the matter becomes known (which is inevitable; it is only a matter of short time until it spreads).

b) Regarding a school (for Torah and) for craft—(for understandable reasons) Chabad people have only engaged in this as an addition and secondary to a Chabad yeshivah; that is, in places where there is already a yeshivah. After some time, it becomes clear to all (even to critics and skeptics) that certain students are unable to continue in yeshivah. Then it becomes the responsibility of the institution's administration where they study to save them from leaving entirely by means of a school where part of the day they learn a trade or similar.

c) Founding a yeshivah—even though our Sages said about such things "he will make Torah great and glorious," in this case it is an issue of dispute, etc., so (as you wrote) it is not worthwhile or appropriate.

Summary

The Rebbe writes that one should not leave rabbinic service lightly; vocational education should only supplement existing yeshivos when necessary; and founding new institutions must avoid causing disputes. Every step requires careful judgment for spiritual integrity.