Editing Yoel Kahan (section)

==== Sefer HaErechim ====
At the beginning of the Rebbe's leadership, the Rebbe instructed Rabbi Yoel to begin writing a comprehensive encyclopedia of Chabad Chassidic teachings. He began the writing together with Rabbi Chaim Shalom Dovber Lipsker, who later withdrew from the work. In response to Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin's comment about excessive length where each topic is divided into details, particulars of details, and particulars of particulars until the reader loses the connecting thread and sometimes it seems like a maze, the Rebbe responded: "Of course, he is correct in his comment regarding the details, etc. in the Chabad Encyclopedia, and I have alerted the editors about this several times (and I will continue to do so) – and for now it has helped somewhat. It is difficult to restrain the enthusiasm in Chassidus, it is 'also' difficult for the one who limits it."
[[File:יואל ושולם.jpg|thumb]]
Between the years 5743-5745 (1983-1985), the Rebbe spoke at a Shabbos Lech Lecha farbrengen about how Rabbi Yoel (without mentioning his name) was not focusing on writing the Sefer HaArachim [Encyclopedia]. When some tried to use these words to summon him to a Din Torah and published this accusation against him, the Rebbe wrote a special response detailing his praise on one hand while rejecting the reasons cited for the claim:

"With the greatest astonishment I read the above and what was enclosed with the conclusion 'and peace upon Israel' - that after deliberation '''for a long time''' and investigation (at least seemingly) '''the main point is missing'''. And you force me (and also - to put in writing) expressions that I am not accustomed to at all. In any case, I will be as brief as possible, with the introduction, although '''it is obvious''': This is not about [people who] 'sit at street corners' but rather '''exactly the opposite''': a claim to Beis Din regarding a '''specific''' person, and this person educates '''in matters of the living G-d''' hundreds of people (including in Tomchei Tmimim) for decades, etc. And briefly, the content of the claim: I commanded the above at a farbrengen '''in public''': 1) that he should not engage in anything else, etc., 2) that his only matter is one thing, etc. 3) and the above person publicly did exactly the opposite in the Beis Midrash - praying, etc. - and therefore his description (and consequently his judgment) is such and such. Since '''I never''' commanded him (and also did not request similar to this) the above in public (and not in private either), '''it is well-known''' that '''with my encouragement''' he engages '''in many things''' for decades (and certainly the members of the Beis Din also know this), the claim to the Beis Din and the accusations against the above person - were publicized to many more than 3 people. And their response to all this (together with the content enclosed here) is as mentioned above! And to note - I also did not command others similarly (and also did not request) - because this is '''against human nature''' in which a person was created (to engage only in one thing) - and according to what is explained in Chassidus, this is contrary to his virtue (Likkutei Torah Emor - 37b. And in many places). Another matter - the main claim is that the one approaching the Beis Din and accusing, etc. - himself did not hear '''even one word''' of all that he writes in my name. Rather, he heard fleeting letters and then searched in notes, etc. And seemingly the first question of the Beis Din to him should have been: what did he hear, etc. - and this is the main cause of all the above. And if the claim is true - why did he hide such a fundamental matter, etc."