Weekly Letter: Distorted and Outlandish Opinions about Chassidus
On the occasion of the 24 of Teves, yartzeit of the Alter Rebbe, R’ Schneur Zalman of Liadi , founder of Chassidus Chabad and author of the Tanya Kaddisha – we are sharing an interesting letter of the Rebbe in which he clarifies some distorted and outlandish opinions about Chassidus, opinions that are based on heresy by ignorant people. Included – are some points about growing a beard.
By the Grace of G-d
22 Adar, 5720
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Miss
Oak Park 37, Mich.
Blessing and Greeting:
I am in receipt of your letter which I am answering ahead of its turn.
Needless to say, you need not apologize for writing frankly and candidly for, as I have indicated previously, this is the purpose of writing in the first place.
With regard to the opinions which have been expressed to you on Chassidus, you have probably noted it yourself that these and similar opinions are expressed by people who have never learned Chassidus; these are opinions based on heresy, not on personal knowledge of the subject. The greater the ignorance of the subject, the more categorically such opinions are expressed. This is true of course in regard to Torah in general and the Jewish religion in general, especially in our day and age of confused thinking, when individuals who have little or no knowledge of what the Torah and mitzvos are yet consider themselves experts and authorities.
To illustrate to what absurd lengths such views can go, it is enough to refer to the “opinion” which you quote in your letter as to whether Chassidus comes within the category of “Limud haTorah.” Only one who is completely ignorant of Chassidus and not only of Chassidus but also of the history of the founder of Chassidus, could question it. For even the knowledge of some highlights of Chassidus and its history, without any comprehensive knowledge of details, would leave no room for such doubts. Anyone who has some acquaintance with the position held by the Old Rebbe, the founder of Chabad, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch, or the position held by his grandson, the author of the Responsa Tzemach Tzedek, not only among Chassidim but in Jewry at large, being recognized even by the disciplines of the Gaon of Vilno, knows how much time they spent on learning Chassidus and teaching it – as an integral part of the Torah.
The charges made against the Yeshivah program are too obviously slanderous to require refutation. The detailed daily program of studies of all parts of the Torah is conspicuously displayed on the wall for all to see. Such silly charges could be made either by one who is very stupid or more likely, by one who knows the true facts but maliciously distorts them. There is no need to enlarge upon the obvious.
Another fact that can be verified and which displays the real attitude of Chassidus to Limud haTorah, is that if you take any Kolel of whatever Yeshivah and inquire into the background of the students, you will find a preponderant majority coming from Chassidic houses.
On the question of growing a beard, looking at it objectively and asking oneself – Why does this or that boy grow a beard? – it is clear that the motive behind it is not a case of taking the line of least resistance, of making life easier, nor of trying to please the majority of people, including the Jewish majority, among whom sad to say, are also frum Jews. Obviously, it shows strength of character. The temptation not to wear a beard is all the greater in view of the fact that there are Roshei Yeshivos in great Yeshivos (not in Chassidic Yeshivos, though) who do not wear beards, so why make life more difficult for oneself, be different and stand out conspicuously? If despite these temptations a boy does grow a beard, it clearly shows how much the Torah and mitzvos really mean to him, how firm he is in his convictions, how steadfast he is in the face of opposing influences. Where a Shidduch is concerned, which according to the text of the brocho is to constitute a Binyan adei-ad, an everlasting edifice, to withstand any outside influences and pressures which are quite prevalent nowadays, surely strength of character, personal integrity, courage and steadfastness, are among the first qualities that one should ask for in one’s chosen life partner. On the other hand, if one can be swayed to make concessions, be it only in this particular instance, he lays himself open to further concessions and weakness, the limit of which cannot be foreseen. Only by resolute mutual determination to make it a Binyan adei-ad in the fullest sense of the term, can a young couple assure a happy and harmonious home and family.
As for the particular proposition of which you write, you mention that there is something which makes you hesitate about it, but it is not clear what you have in mind. At any rate, may G-d, Whose benevolent Providence extends to everyone in particular, guide you in the way that is best for you both materially and spiritually, which for the Jew go hand in hand together, the material wellbeing following the spiritual wellbeing, and not vice versa.
Hoping to hear good news from you,
With blessing,
By
You do not mention anything about your younger sister, from which I gather that all is well with her. It will be good to hear specifically to this effect.
