Shiurim in this topic
Teachers' Association refers to a collective body of educators addressed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, in a letter dated 12 Marcheshvan 5715 (1954). The association appears to represent teachers working under a particular educational administration, advocating on behalf of their members regarding employment conditions and compensation.
In his letter, the Rebbe responds with urgency and concern to a communication from the Teachers' Association. The teachers had informed their administration that, due to unpaid salaries, they intended to reduce teaching hours until payment was received. The Rebbe expresses deep distress over this decision, emphasizing the detrimental impact it would have on the students—Jewish boys and girls—who would lose valuable educational time. He argues that even if the administration acted unjustly, there is no justification for punishing the students, as lost time in a child's education is irreplaceable and especially significant in their formative years.
The Rebbe further assures the teachers that he is confident the administration did not act out of malice, but rather due to financial constraints beyond their control. He cautions against responding to an unintentional wrong with intentional harm, particularly when it affects innocent parties. Most significantly, the Rebbe warns of the negative example set for students when their educators, who are their role models in matters of Judaism and good character, allow material disputes to disrupt their education. He references Talmudic and Chassidic teachings to underscore the gravity of such actions, noting the lasting harm it can cause to the students' worldview and values.
The Rebbe concludes with a heartfelt hope that his words will suffice to reverse the decision, urging the teachers to restore all teaching hours willingly and wholeheartedly, highlighting that their success in influencing the students depends on this attitude. He also notes, in a postscript, that he did not address the halachic (Jewish legal) aspects of a teachers' strike, expressing confidence that such measures would not be necessary.