Rabbi Yisroel Teitelbaum’s Final Article Focused on a Ray of Hope

Rabbi Yisroel Teitelbaum, the Chabad Shliach and activist for school choice who passed away last week, was the co-founder of Alliance for Free Choice in Education based in Morristown, NJ. Here is the last article he sent to COLlive.com in July 2020. It was titled “Rebbe’s Advice for Our Time”:

America is in deep trouble. Those who compare this to the riots of the 1960’s are sadly mistaken. This crisis has infected not only our streets, but also much of our government. We are in the midst of a Civil War that requires us all to take action. We need to heed the advice of a world leader who warned us of this almost four decades ago.

It was the 12th day of Tammuz 5741 (1981) when the Lubavitcher Rebbe, z’y’a, addressed education, and spoke for over one hour about how public schools were failing the children of America. The Rebbe described the critical importance of education to guide all children in overcoming the temptations that abound, and for them to aspire to lead a proper and wholesome life, based on faith. It was the Supreme Court decision in Engel vs Vitale ( June 1962), which had overruled the First Amendment to the Constitution, removing the voluntary, nondenominational prayer, which led to the removal of all moral teachings.

The Court also transferred control of education from parents to government. This transfer, and removal of all recognition of faith, marked the end of freedom, the destruction of the American families, and the beginning of a long, steep decline in American education.

The Rebbe pointed to the fact that our country had been founded on faith and religious freedom, and referred to the Court’s “separation” as the “idolatry of our time.” He spoke of meeting with the long-time Attorney General of New York, in which the Rebbe pointed to the obvious solution to growing strife and crime. Restore our system to its original design, respecting religious rights.

Tragically, the “Progressive Deep State” held the reins of power then, and still do. Public Schools have experienced a precipitous decline. The results are now plain to see on our streets, City Halls, State Governments and in Congress. Unfortunately, Progressives now dominate, and our leaders are cowering for protection. The Rebbe’s public address surely carries the message needed to repair our broken educational system and begin the healing process for the entire country.

On Chol Ha’Moed Pesach 5743 (1983), the Rebbe called on Tzivos Hashem, the children’s division of Chabad to become involved; to write, with the help of their teachers, to their Representatives, and the President of the United States, in support of a “Moment of Silence,” and “the nullification of the shocking policy that religious schools cannot receive equitable financial assistance from the government.” It now appears that this mission, both for adults and children, was not accomplished.

Fortunately, President Donald Trump has now renewed his call on Congress to pass School Choice as “the Civil Rights Issue of our time.” If adults are in fear of government retribution, children have nothing to fear. We need to call on our children and grandchildren to follow the Rebbe’s advice and write to all who represent them in government. School Choice will accomplish both financial support and “Moment of Silence,” while restoring our “inalienable” rights.

This is true advice for our time! By standing with President Trump in support of School Choice as a Civil Right, and holding all our Representatives –both at the state and Federal Government accountable to support this – will begin the healing process. Education is the nursery of all society. Sponsorship and passage of the proposed “Civil Rights Act for Equal Educational Opportunity” will also save lives, while saving tens of billions in taxes annually. Such is the power of free enterprise. Holding ALL in government accountable will quickly restore our “inalienable” Right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.