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The Administration of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim - Montreal refers to the leadership body responsible for overseeing the Chabad-Lubavitch yeshiva in Montreal. This institution is part of the global network of Tomchei Temimim yeshivas, established to provide advanced Torah and Chassidus education in accordance with the vision of the Lubavitcher Rebbeim.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, corresponded with the administration of the Montreal yeshiva regarding various aspects of its operation and educational approach. In a letter dated 2 Shevat 5712 (1952), the Rebbe responded to questions and suggestions brought to him by the administration, as well as by Rabbi Shmuel Levitin, a senior Chabad rabbi.
The Rebbe addressed several key topics in his guidance:
1. Secular Studies: The Rebbe emphasized the importance of arranging the curriculum so that students, especially those from overseas, could avoid secular studies. He urged the administration to strive, even if students themselves desired otherwise, to maintain a focus on Torah subjects.
2. Shabbos and Yom Tov Engagement: The Rebbe advised the administration to find ways to keep students engaged on Shabbos and Yom Tov, suggesting farbrengens or gatherings in central locations if the yeshiva building was not accessible. He stressed the need for students' connection to Torah and mitzvos to remain strong throughout the week, not only on weekdays.
3. Appointment of a Mashpia: The Rebbe approved the appointment of Rabbi Menachem Zev HaLevi as the spiritual mentor (mashpia ruchani) of the yeshiva, expressing confidence that he would balance his responsibilities to both the yeshiva and his work with the broader community.
4. Acceptance of New Students: The Rebbe expressed pleasure at the yeshiva's willingness to accept students from the Netivos Olam program, blessing them with success and encouraging the administration to highlight the value of yiras Shamayim (fear of Heaven) in their educational approach.
5. Institutional Excellence and Competition: Noting the growth of other yeshivas and Torah institutions in Montreal, the Rebbe encouraged the administration to see this as a sign from Above to increase their efforts and raise the standards of the yeshiva, in line with the wishes of its founder, the Previous Rebbe. He assured them that they possessed the necessary strengths and resources to develop the yeshiva further, both spiritually and materially.
The Rebbe's correspondence with the administration is characterized by warm encouragement, practical guidance, and a clear expectation of spiritual and organizational excellence. He expresses confidence in their abilities and urges them to implement his suggestions promptly and effectively, for the benefit of the students and the broader community.