“I’m Not Holding by a Rebbe”
In answer to someone “not holding” by a Rebbe but by basic Judaism; Torah is limitless, therefore no Jew could isolate himself from those he can learn a deeper understanding; this is the function of a Rebbe
By the Grace of G-d
12th of Nissan, 5739
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr. Pesach Lazaroff
626 S. Division
Ann Arbor, Mich. 48104
Greeting and Blessing:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 9th of Adar, which reached me with considerable delay. May G-d grant the fulfillment of your heart's desires for good.
As in all good things, there is the assurance of Yogato u'Motzoso.
If you will let me know also your mother's Hebrew name, as is customary, I will remember you in prayer when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory.
With reference to your writing "I do not 'hold' by a Rebbe now. My allegiance is to the 'Yiddishkeit' with which I grew up," etc. – of course, what is expected of you, as of every Jew, is that the daily life and conduct should be in accordance with the Torah, Toras Chaim, and this is the very essence of Yiddishkeit. However, inasmuch as the Torah is described as "longer than the earth and wider than the sea," it is normal that no individual, however proficient he is in Torah and Mitzvoth, and however educated he is, isolates himself from others, from whom he can learn a better and deeper understanding of Torah, at any rate, in those areas where he has not yet attained the highest level. This is the function of a Rebbe, a teacher and instructor who have in their sphere of learning devoted more time and attained a higher level of knowledge, etc.
Wishing you a Kosher and inspiring Pesach.
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
Source: Photocopy of the original.
Mr. Pesach (Herschel) Lazaroff was a student at the University of Michigan whose involvement with Chabad began in 1974. At the time of this correspondence, he was exploring a deeper commitment to Jewish observance while weighing academic and professional paths. In his letter he expressed uncertainty regarding adherence to a Rebbe if he were to become religious, stating that his allegiance was to the Yiddishkeit of his ancestors who were not Chassidim.
