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By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon

Question: I was recently appointed as the principal in an out-of-town Cheder. One of my main responsibilities is to hire new teachers for the school. I have a few friends who are currently teaching in other Chabad schools and are very successful. Is it wrong of me to reach out to them and offer them a teaching position even though the other institution will obviously not be happy?

Answer: Firstly, I am very impressed with your sensitivity in reaching out with such an important question. This is, unfortunately, a very common practice and many do not even ask the question. While each particular circumstance is different — for example: If the teacher has already decided on their own that they want to leave — the general approach of the Rebbe can be summarized in one line: We are all working for the same boss and cause and thus should avoid hurting our own institutions. 

The following are some letters of the Rebbe that highlight this approach:

(1) In 5712 (1952), the Rebbe wanted to open a school that would give a higher education to girls. At the time, it was not something that Chassidim were used to and there was no grassroots movement to make it happen. The Rebbe wrote a sharp letter to the administration of Kar Chabad, in which the following was written:

“I am pained by the fact that each of the (Chabad) institutions in Kfar Chabad, and other places as well, act as an independent institution and each administrator views the other institutions as competition. While it is (obviously) a good thing that the administrator of an institution has the best interest of his own institution in mind, after-all that is his job, nevertheless it is very important to be cognizant of the growth and success of any Chabad mossad in Eretz Yisroel will lead to growth and success of his own institution.”

The Rebbe adds: 

“Sometimes one institution needs to ‘bend over’ so that the other one can be successful. While the first institution may temporarily lose out, in the long term it will add to the success of all institutions. (Igros, Vol. 6 p. 258; #1767)

(2) “It is not a good (or right) thing, that one institution “chaps” (snatches) teachers from another Chabad institution.” (Mikdash Melech Vol. 1 p. 181)

(3) In an answer to one of the main Chabad institutions in Eretz Yisroel, who wanted to open a fundraising office in the USA, the Rebbe responded: “In addition to the fact that you do not have a capable person to run the office, you are opening yourself up to constant complaints and interference from the local institutions. Thus, this idea should not be considered.” (Igros, Vol. 34 p. 260; #11,827)

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It is very important to clarify that the Rebbe does want each institution to be successful and to cater to the needs of their specific demographic, but it should all be done in a peaceful way. This mindset is expressed in the following letter:

(4) “You write to me that there is a possibility of the local schools all uniting together in one place: It is well-understood that there is no room for such an idea and certainly — in diplomatic fashion — you will figure out a way that this should not happen… The reason being: There is no benefit in forcing everyone to one style, level and approach to education as it best when there are options (obviously kosher options) for people to choose from. 

As proof to the above-mentioned model, look at the educational institutions in Kfar Chabad itself: There is the mainstream Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim, a vocational school (where the students learn a professional trade), and a farming school. They are all under the auspices of Chabad and yet cater to different types of students. Certainly in your case — where you are in a big city (with many different groups) — you should make sure that there remain diverse (but kosher) educational options.” (Igros, Vol. 18 p. 460; #6940)

The Moshiach Connection

The very notion and feeling that institutions are truly competing with each other, as opposed to complementing each other, is a “Galus (exile) mindset”. This will all change in the times of Moshiach, as the Rambam writes (Hilchos Melachim chapter 12:5) “In that era, there will be neither famine or war, envy or competition, for goodness will flow in abundance and all the delights will be freely available as dust. The occupation of the entire world will be solely to know G-d.”

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