A Bachur Does Not Decide for Himself

In this famous letter to Israeli President Yitzchak Ben-Tzvi, the Rebbe explains that wealth and influence are divinely entrusted responsibilities, obligating one to actively strengthen Torah and Jewish identity. Beyond this, the letter offers a rare personal glimpse, as the Rebbe shares his lifelong vision of redemption and explains why he avoids the title “president,” reflecting his deep, authen

The Rebbe acknowledges the writer’s improved health but challenges his confusion about priorities. Despite clear guidance, he is misreading his situation and considering reducing his involvement in Chabad. The Rebbe insists his true purpose is to focus on spiritual work in his current place, not pursue distracting alternatives for livelihood. Parnassah will follow with less struggle, while avoidin

In the first letter, the Rebbe responds to someone overwhelmed by a new position, claiming he has no time for learning, serving Hashem, or helping others. The Rebbe firmly rejects this, reminding him that a Jew’s purpose is to serve his Creator. In the second letter, the Rebbe discourages the letter writer's practice of fasting, explaining that Chassidus does not promote afflicting the body. True

Addressing the letter writer's concerns about balancing outreach with his own son’s education, the Rebbe emphasizes that fulfilling the mitzvah of influencing others will not harm his child’s chinuch—on the contrary, it will enhance it through the principle of mitzvah goreres mitzvah.

The Rebbe responds regarding a Chabad-affiliated agricultural school, emphasizing that its standards and spirit must fully align with Chabad values without compromise. The institution should not lower its standards for students who do not adhere to them. However, guidance should be given pleasantly—educating and inspiring rather than rejecting. The focus should be on promoting the positive through

One must recognize that involvement in the Rebbe’s work is a personal merit, not a favor being done. As long as one feels otherwise, no persuasion will help. Honest reflection and humility will lead to clarity, cooperation, and a more peaceful, productive path.

In response to a letter proposing that identifying certain nations as lost tribes could hasten Moshiach, the Rebbe emphasizes that our direction must come from Torah and its clear guidance. Rather than pursuing speculative approaches, our focus should be on what Chazal teach—that redemption depends on teshuvah and good deeds.

The Rebbe writes to Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Small, acknowledging his longstanding connection to Chabad and asking him to support relief efforts for Sephardic Jews in crisis. Beyond the immediate need, the Rebbe emphasizes a broader principle: in matters of ahavas Yisrael, there is no concern for competition—on the contrary, one should welcome and encourage others to join and even expand the work.

The first letter addresses a man overwhelmed by overthinking. The Rebbe urges him to stop analyzing his inner state and instead live simply: care for the body, act with sincerity, and begin without overplanning. The second letter teaches that how we look at others shapes them—seeing with a generous eye draws out their best and brings true nachas.

A young man asks if he should follow his own preference as to where to study and is gently but firmly redirected: a yeshiva bachur is not guided by personal will, but by the guidance of his teachers.