The Lubavitcher Rebbe on Kindness of Rabbis

The Lubavitcher Rebbe on Kindness and Upbringing of Rabbis: A Theological Perspective

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was an exceptional spiritual leader and philosopher whose teachings shaped the worldview of millions. One of the central themes of his philosophy was the importance of kindness and compassion in everyday life, especially among rabbis and leaders of the Jewish community. The Rebbe not only emphasized kindness as a central commandment of the Torah but also criticized the lack of this quality in some rabbis. He explored the reasons behind such behavior and pointed to ways to rectify it.

Criticism of Rabbis for a Lack of Kindness

The Lubavitcher Rebbe expressed deep concern about the fact that some rabbis demonstrated a lack of kindness and even harshness in their interactions with people. He stressed that such behavior did not align with the ideals of the Torah, where love for one’s neighbor is elevated to a central commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). For the Rebbe, it was unacceptable for a rabbi, whose role is to be an exemplar of spiritual and moral behavior, to act with rudeness or arrogance.

However, the Rebbe’s critique did not stop at pointing out faults. He sought to understand the roots of such behavior, asserting that many rabbis who exhibited harshness or a lack of empathy did so because of their upbringing. They might have been raised in strict environments where there were no examples of genuine kindness, or their education might have focused solely on the study of the law without sufficient attention to ethical and interpersonal dimensions.

Upbringing as the Root of the Problem

The Lubavitcher Rebbe believed that upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping a person’s character. If someone grew up in an environment that emphasized the letter of the law rather than its spirit, their perspective might become limited. Such a person might come to believe that strictness and adherence to rules are paramount, neglecting the emotional or spiritual needs of others.

Nevertheless, the Rebbe emphasized that this was not an excuse. While upbringing influences behavior, every person, especially a rabbi, has the responsibility to work on themselves. This principle is tied to the concept of Avodah (self-improvement), which is an essential part of Jewish tradition. The Rebbe taught that self-correction is not merely an option but an obligation for anyone who aspires to be a leader and guide.

Self-Improvement as a Path to Perfection

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson taught that every individual must constantly strive for spiritual growth. Even if a rabbi was raised in an environment that did not nurture kindness, they are obligated to recognize this issue and make efforts to correct it. The Rebbe often cited examples from the Talmud and Hasidic stories that illustrated how great sages overcame their weaknesses to become better.

He frequently reminded his followers of the importance of Ahavat Yisrael—love for every Jew, regardless of their level of knowledge, background, or behavior. According to the Rebbe, this commandment should serve not only as a foundation for the personal lives of every Jew but also as the guiding principle for rabbis in their approach to their communities. Love for one’s neighbor, the Rebbe taught, is not merely an emotional state but an active engagement in the lives of others, offering help and support rooted in deep respect for each individual.

Theological Foundation of Kindness

The Rebbe’s critique was grounded in deep theology. He often referred to the idea that God is the source of infinite kindness and compassion, and that it is humanity’s role to reflect these qualities in their lives. Harshness and rudeness, especially from spiritual leaders, contradict the essence of God’s covenant with Israel. The Rebbe argued that a rabbi who does not demonstrate kindness misses the opportunity to be a channel for Divine light.

Practical Recommendations

The Lubavitcher Rebbe did not limit himself to abstract reflections. He proposed specific steps to address the issue:
1. Education for Future Rabbis: The Rebbe emphasized that Jewish educational institutions must focus not only on teaching Halacha (Jewish law) but also on developing emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal skills.
2. Leading by Example: Rabbis and leaders must remember that they are role models for their communities. Their words and actions have a profound impact on people.
3. Continuous Self-Development: Rabbis should participate in seminars and lessons aimed at improving their interpersonal skills and enhancing their spiritual development.

Conclusion

The Lubavitcher Rebbe cared deeply for every Jew, including the rabbis he criticized. His critique was not meant to condemn but to correct and improve. The Rebbe believed that rabbis can and must become better, embodying the kindness and compassion that lie at the heart of the Jewish faith. He taught that the path to this begins with recognizing one’s weaknesses and being willing to work on oneself to live up to the lofty ideals of the Torah.