If We Can’t Strike, Can We Quit?
I read one of your previous articles (issue #14) where you discussed how opposed the Rebbe is to a general strike by teachers. I am very interested in knowing if the Rebbe addressed individual teachers that are fed-up with the dysfunction of the institution where they teach and want to quit. Is that acceptable? • Read More
Question:
I read one of your previous articles (issue #14) where you discussed how opposed the Rebbe is to a general strike by teachers. I am very interested in knowing if the Rebbe addressed individual teachers that are fed-up with the dysfunction of the institution where they teach and want to quit. Is that acceptable?
Answer:
Thank you for your question and for the opportunity to share a few letters of the Rebbe on this sensitive topic. It is important to clarify that while I will be sharing some sharp letters of the Rebbe, the personal decision should be made with your personal mashpia or Rav, as each personal circumstance is different. These letters are to provide a general perspective and outlook that might help many people put aside their personal frustrations and throw themselves into their job with renewed vigor and energy.
Would You Quit Working For the Rebbe?
(1) “Please explain the following to the teachers: They are working at an institution of the Rebbe. Thus, notwithstanding their personal complaints and frustrations with certain individuals, it is no reason to punish themselves (by leaving)! By leaving, they will be reducing their personal merits and the brachos that come into their personal lives…..
My intention is clear: They need to have a paradigm shift in their perspective. They view their work as working for certain individuals (the administration). Thus, if there are personal disagreements — you leave to find a better work-environment. They must view their work in the Rebbe’s institution as working for the Rebbe [directly] and he has given them a channel of brachos for their physical and spiritual benefit. He only instructs us: Choose life!” (Igros, Vol. 8 p. 269; #2517).
(2) “It’s simple logic that someone in possession of a treasure will never come to another person and tell him that only if you give in to my demands will I use my personal treasure. If not, I will throw the treasure away and roam the streets looking for a few dollars. The analogy is simply understood.”
The Rebbe adds this important directive: “This perspective should be internalized and explained to other teachers that you know or those that you have the possibility of getting to know.” (Ibid, p. 350; #2608)
“Stop Playing Politics With The Rebbe…
(3) “Regarding what you write that this teacher is threatening to quit and the other teacher is quitting: It should be explained to these teachers that “es iz nitto vus tzu varfen zich — a personal should not underestimate” [the value of] working for the Rebbe. They should understand that we might actually accept their resignations and they will remain truly outside chas v’Shalom.
Things have to be clarified once and for all: Those that quit the institution also quit representing Chabad to those outside the community. They do not retain the right to speak on behalf of the institution as they did previously. They should stop playing politics with the Rebbe… (Igros, vol. 21 p. 323; #8079)
64
Join ChabadInfo's News Roundup and alerts for the HOTTEST Chabad news and updates!
Related Posts:
Most Popular
New Videos
Editor's Picks
