Patriot or Chauvinist?
In these politically charged times, where do our loyalties lie? Are we countrymen, globalists – or a nation that dwells alone? The Avner Institute presents the Rebbe’s stress on helping a group high on the endangered list — our own – and channeling our idealism, advocacy, and resources into the proper education of Jewish youth.
Dedicated in memory of loving memory of Hadassah Lebovic A”h
“No Substitute and No Rival”
5732
Mr. ——-
New York, NY
Greeting and Blessing:
I was pleased to receive your regards through Dr. Nissan Mindel, and also your latest writings. Many thanks.
Dr. Mindel tells me that you invite my comments in reference to your endeavors to promote international prosperity. I must admit that I do not find it easy. However, knowing you I know that nothing other than complete candor would be acceptable to you. I am confident, therefore, that you will accept my remarks in the spirit that they are made.
It is, of course, very praiseworthy for a person to take a keen and active interest in world affairs, especially in an age of materialism and egotism. All the more so, when the person has been highly successful in his own business affairs yet dedicates himself to problems of global proportions, underdeveloped nations, and the like. For in doing so, he sets an example of humanitarian concern that many would do well to emulate.
On the other hand, I trust you will agree that the question of priorities is a legitimate one; it is certain a compelling factor from the viewpoint of the Torah, which sees the scale of priorities as beginning with one’s immediate family and relatives, and going on to the community and to the national interest of one’s own people.
This may sound like a “chauvinistic” idea, but the objection must be brushed aside, for the simple reason that one must view obligations on their own terms. Clearly, the discharge of a “debt” was first priority.
Debt & Obligation
A person comes into this world with a certain spiritual heritage that he receives from his people. Hence, the perpetuation of this heritage is not a matter of pure benevolence or philanthropy, but the discharge of a debt and an obligation.
Moreover, if a Jew directs his primary efforts towards the interests of the world at large, or those of certain nations of the world, he is working for a cause which has many advocates. On the other hand, the interests of his own people must depend almost exclusively on the efforts of the members of this people, since our Jewish people stand alone in an indifferent, unfriendly, and often downright hostile world.
Add to this the consideration that our people were also decimated in the Holocaust, with the result that those who have been fortunate enough to survive must step into the breach and strive to make up for the martyrs who gave their lives al Kiddush Hashem, and in whose merits we now exist.
Top Priority
Once the principle of priorities, as mentioned above, has been accepted, it has also to be applied in regard to the needs of our people. The first priority would have to be given to those needs that have the fewest advocates. You will no doubt gather that I have in mind the preservation and dissemination of our Torah heritage and way of life, especially among the younger generation.
Here the challenge and the opportunity have never been greater. On the one hand, our younger generation is a victim of the general confusion and spiritual turmoil prevailing in the world. On the other hand, there are many seekers, who crave guidance and identity. These young people, standing at the threshold of life – if they could only be given the proper Torah guidance and education, would not only bring about a turning point in their own lives but, with the energy and enthusiasm which characterize the young and adolescent, would inject this spirit into every phase and facet of Jewish life.
Inasmuch as you have had the privilege to be counted among the friends of Chabad since the time of my saintly predecessor, I need say no more. I will only reiterate that the need of our young to be guided in the path of Torah has no substitute and no rival. It has a sacred and prior claim upon every Jew, especially upon one who has a close personal affinity and feeling for it.
Please forgive me if I have been rather outspoken on this subject. You will understand that I could not have done otherwise.
May G-d grand that you should have good news to report in all that has been said above.
Cordially yours,
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