Meaning & Commitment
In a world of choices, should we even stay on the straight and narrow? The Avner Institute presents the Rebbe’s letters to a high schooler desiring to defect to yeshiva and questioning its value, with his emphasis of a Jew’s true obligation, which only leads to an upward path.
Dedicated in memory of loving memory of Hadassah Lebovic A”h
“A Different Level Altogether”
Yeshiva world is a lesson not only in religion, but in refinement.
By the Grace of G-d
10 Elul 5718
Brooklyn, NY
To Mr. Pinchas Joseph Saffran:
Greeting and Blessings:
I received your letter of the 26th of Menachem Av, in which you write some highlights of your life, and the difficulties which you encounter in leading the way of life which a Jewish boy of your age should do in accordance with our Torah, which is called Toras Chayim.
You are doing very wisely in refraining from discussions with your father on this subject, especially, as you write, that your father is not in the best of health. Inasmuch as you write that you still have to attend high school, the question of where to learn later on will become actual only next year. This, therefore, is an added consideration in avoiding discussing the problem at this time.
Needless to say, that to graduate the high school at the yeshiva can be done just as successfully as in a public school. Experience has shown that yeshiva high schools have average, besides, in a public high school there is a mixed crowd, and one might come in contact with undesirable friends, which is not the case in the yeshiva high school, where the atmosphere and companionship is on a different level altogether. It should not be difficult to find someone who would explain to your father these important considerations, and obtain his consent.
What has been said above concerns the ways and means of how to carry out your firm resolution to conduct your daily life a Jewish boy of your age should. As for the resolution itself, there can be no doubt or question that this is the only proper and true resolution which is for your own good, as well as for the good of all those who are near and dear to you, inasmuch as the Torah and mitzvoth were given by G-d, Who is the Creator of all the world, including man, and Who knows best what is good for His creatures.
As requested, I will remember you in prayer when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory. I suggest that you put aside a cent or two of tzedoko every weekday morning, which will stand you in good stead.
Wishing you a kesiva vechasima toiva,
With blessing,
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“Making good resolutions”
Major decisions require major advice and life guidance.
By the Grace of G-d
5 Tishrei 5720
Brooklyn, NY
To Mr. Pinchas Joseph Saffran:
Greetings and Blessings:
I received your letter of the 10th of Elul, in which you ask what is your mission in life.
The Mishna, at the end of Kiddushin, clearly states that man was created in order to serve his Creator, and in Shulchan Aruch, in the beginning of the section Orach Chayim, it is clearly stated that the way to fulfill one’s mission and purpose in life is through the observance of the mitzvoth every day.
Since one should not rely on his own judgment, it would be well for you to discuss the matter with your own teachers at the yeshiva, and they will give you further guidance.
With regard to the question of your future learning and the problems that you have, it would also be well for you to discuss the matter with your above friends, to whom you could explain the problems in detail, and they could give you some helpful advice.
As we have entered a New Year, and this is the time for making good resolutions, I hope that you will resolve to make additional efforts in all matters of Torah and mitzvoth, and particularly to improve your daily observances of the Torah and mitzvoth, since there is always room for improvements, and it is only a matter of will and determination.
Wishing you a chasima u’gmar chasima tova,
With Blessing,
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