Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Not Competition

Rabbi Kramer a”h (one of the senior Lubavitcher Chassidim in Montreal, who was instrumental in establishing both the Lubavitcher Yeshiva and the community there) was once in Yechidus by the Rebbe. During the yechidus, the Rebbe asked him about the litvishe Yeshiva in Montreal. He told the Rebbe that it is in a basement. In answer to the Rebbe’s further query, he informed the Rebbe that they don’t have air-conditioning.
The Rebbe instructed him unequivocally to do whatever it takes to get them into a building, with working ac. Rabbi Kramer, who understood well what kind of an undertaking this would be, was astounded. There was so much work still needed for the upkeep and maintenance of the Lubavitcher Yeshiva (that the Frierdige Rebbe had instructed him to found, and to which he dedicated his heart and soul). How could he divert his efforts to other projects?!
He asked the Rebbe, in surprise, “But they are our competition?!”

The Rebbe replied: “First of all, Tomchei Temimim does not have any competition. Secondly, a Yeshiva cannot be in a basement, and it must have air conditioning, so if this is not being taken care of without you, you have no choice but to address it”!

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