9491 —שפת ההוראה, מעורבות ההורים, והתנהגות התלמידים בכפר חב"ד

B"H, 15 Iyar, 5728.

Brooklyn, NY.

Kavod to the representatives of the parents of the students of the Talmud Torah in Kfar Chabad in Eretz HaKodesh may it be rebuilt and established by our righteous Moshiach — may Hashem be upon them and grant them life. Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge receipt of your letters and their main point — the question regarding which language should be used to teach the students in the Talmud Torah. As I answered during our phone conversation: My opinion is that since the primary purpose of a Talmud Torah is to educate students in fear and love of Hashem and to teach them His Torah and mitzvos — which are longer than the land and broader than the sea — our Sages warned so strongly against neglecting children's Torah study that they even forbade it for building the Beis HaMikdash. Based on this, it is clear that the language used for teaching is not the main thing; rather, what matters are effectiveness and increasing both quantity and quality in knowledge of Torah and mitzvos. [It is also understood that if the language of instruction affects matters of fear of Heaven or similar issues, then choosing a language becomes important accordingly.]

b) It is also clear that it is not appropriate to change the language of instruction in the middle of a school year for many reasons [unless there is an absolute necessity].

c) Under certain conditions when parents wish to determine the language of instruction — provided there are no issues involving halachah or Shulchan Aruch etc. — then one should not force parents regarding which language their children are taught in; rather, explain to them if their arguments are incorrect. As with similar matters, decisions about language should follow the majority opinion among parents: "acharei rabim lehatot" (follow the majority).

d) A particular point about Kfar Chabad: unfortunately, there is a tendency to turn every issue into a source of dispute and division. This is precisely what "the kluginker" specializes in — dressing up every matter as if it involves holiness etc. Judging by both management's and parents' letters, this seems to have happened here as well. Therefore, it would be worthwhile for everyone involved in this new dispute to carefully examine their own motives by "the candle of Hashem is man's soul."

The conclusion from all this (which was also apparent from our phone conversation): there does not seem to be an intention to change things immediately; as mentioned above — such changes do not belong mid-year. Since there remains some time before next school year begins for introspection etc., this matter can be discussed again closer to then — with deliberation based on what was said above about the purpose of Talmud Torah.

Regarding special virtues attributed to Yiddish: one must consider whether acquiring these virtues falls under Talmud Torah's role or rather under parents' responsibility and home atmosphere.

And finally — most importantly: It is astonishing that nothing was mentioned about a fundamental issue concerning Talmud Torah students: I have received several negative reports regarding student conduct — especially on Shabbos and Yom Tov as well as on their eves — even regarding their behavior in shul during weekdays. While part of this responsibility lies with teachers (since educating students according to Torah includes their conduct outside school walls), an important part — perhaps even most important — rests on parents (father and mother), who must instill good character traits using all means at their disposal; even if they are busy with other matters, this remains their primary duty.

If these words apply during regular school days at Talmud Torah, how much more so on Friday afternoons after midday or on Shabbos/Yom Tov when responsibility falls mainly on parents.

Since every situation should be used for matters of Torah and fear of Heaven, my strong hope is that all enthusiasm stirred up over language will instead (since practically nothing will change until next year) be channeled into guiding students toward good character traits and areas related to fear of Heaven not covered by formal studies: blessings, proper prayer, honoring parents/teachers/elders, polite behavior toward peers (as learned from Sefirah days), etc.

Immediately upon receiving this letter you should convene a meeting with all parents (Ashkenazim and Sefardim alike), regardless which side they support regarding language; discuss student conduct as described above as well as discipline within school itself; deliberate seriously so discussion leads directly to action: immediately select a committee from among parents who will take responsibility for these matters going forward; they will appoint several parents who will supervise students vigilantly etc., along with other steps appropriate for promptly improving conditions ever more positively.

May it be G‑d's will that I soon hear good news about all these matters by return mail — especially about true unity among hearts so everyone does everything possible so that "all who see them (at home or outside; weekdays or Shabbos/Yom Tov) recognize them as seed blessed by Hashem," fulfilling wishes expressed many times by my revered father-in-law founder of Kfar Chabad.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while practical concerns like language matter, true education focuses on instilling yiras Shamayim (fear/awe of Heaven) through partnership between teachers and especially parents—both inside school walls and beyond—so children become recognized examples of blessed Jewish living.