The Rebbe's guidance for community rabbis — their mission, authority, and whether to take on or leave a rabbinic post:
The rabbi's mission. A rabbi's true mission is to strengthen Torah and Judaism in his community; his livelihood is secondary (IK 1871). He must instill fear of Heaven into the community's daily life, not only through sermons (IK 3332, 2819), guiding people day by day (IK 1499). Real rabbinic leadership calls for personal involvement with community members (IK 4486), strengthening yiras Shamayim both within himself and outwardly (IK 2237), and increasing Torah study, revealed and Chassidus (IK 2252). A rabbi must reach out to the youth and create "listening ears" (IK 6108), and fostering growth in both Torah and the community is the measure of his leadership (IK 8350).
Standing firm. Rabbis must stand for authentic Torah values without compromise or fear (IK 5567); unwavering resolve is needed in matters such as shechitah (IK 2647_star). Accepting a rabbinic position may require ensuring proper halachic standards in the shul, such as the mechitzah (IK 8802, 1492).
Authority. A Mara d'Asra has both authority over and responsibility for local matters (IK 3370, 786). Respect the local rabbi when working in his community (IK 2829, 9584). Questions of custom, personal stringencies and communal disputes should be brought to the local rabbinic authority (IK 6598, 3876, 10060). Dismissing a rabbi through secular-style procedures, or at the end of a contract, is improper (IK 7626, 10566). One cannot judge a candidate's fitness for the rabbinate lightly (IK 8481).
Taking a post, staying or leaving. Accept a rabbinic position when it allows real positive influence (IK 4954, 8263, 8613). Don't leave the rabbinate lightly — abandoning communal responsibility brings no true peace (IK 6542, 9235), and a rabbi's influence in his community may be irreplaceable (IK 6592, 9940, 8883). Rabbis should not leave their communities for aliyah where this destabilizes them (IK 10025). Steady presence and leadership are crucial through communal disputes (IK 9255), and consulting senior rabbis is part of good leadership (IK 10705).
See also: Leadership – Unity and resolving disputes; Land of Israel – Making aliyah; Jewish outreach – Reform, Conservative and interfaith questions.