In 1973, shortly after the Shavuot holiday, the Rebbe called the chassidim together for a surprise gathering and began speaking about using the summer months to heighten Jewish education. He expressed wonderment that in America, children were given a two month vacation from school. Noting that the Talmud compared the relationship between man and study to fish in water, he asked, “could you keep a fish out of water for two months?”
He explained that the very problem created its solutions, for to keep children occupied during the summer, camps were created. Often, the informal learning environment of a camp can have a greater educational effect on a child’s development than the formal structure of a classroom setting. Moreover, the impact of a child being in the camp’s learning environment 24/7 is immeasurable. As a result, a child may gain a greater measure of Jewish identity and commitment from a summer in camp than a year in school. Therefore, the Rebbe concluded, efforts should be made to reach out to Jewish children and enroll them in Torah camps.
The Rebbe continued, citing the Biblical verse: “Out of the mouths of sucklings and babies You established the strength to destroy enemies and those who seek revenge.” He explained the previously mentioned efforts to spread Jewish education will generate protection and strength for Jews all over the world and particularly in Israel.
Throughout the summer, he continued to cite that same verse and emphasize how the education of Jewish children was connected to Jewish security. Chassidim wondered why he continued to dwell on the issue, repeating the points persistently.
After that summer, the Yom Kippur war broke out. The Rebbe later stated that he did not know why he continually spoke about “destroying enemies and those who seek revenge,” but apparently, from Above, he was pushed toward it. For the children’s Torah played an important role in generating the help from Above that was granted to the war effort.
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