1145 —הישארות בארץ ישראל ללימוד ולשליחות

B"H, 24 Menachem Av, 5711.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Shlomo Chaim Kesselman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...And now I come with a general comment, and I ask you to please convey this to all the students: I do not know the reason for this, but it seems that among them there is a movement wanting to travel to America, and this is not good in my eyes. Certainly they can still achieve much more in their studies where they are now. Perhaps there are exceptions for whom it would not be beneficial, but overall, this running to America and learning specifically in Brooklyn—I fear there is also an element of pride mixed into this. The spiritual administration of the students must uproot this and explain to them the responsibility of leaving Eretz HaKodesh (the Holy Land), which is only permitted for Torah study or to marry. Therefore, it must be such Torah study that the Torah itself calls "Torah study," and as a student of Tomchei Temimim, it also requires agreement from Chassidus that this learning qualifies as such.

Additionally: Given the current situation in Eretz HaKodesh, there is a broad field there for saving hundreds and thousands of Jewish boys and girls. Therefore, an institution must be established on site that can reach a state where it can declare: "See the great ones I am raising," rather than having to say that the students were sent elsewhere and hope people believe him. Furthermore, over time I strongly hope that a certain portion of the students will be able to serve as educators and guides—even for several weeks or months—during their time studying at yeshiva. The immense value of this work cannot be estimated.

...Just now your letter was received stating your desire also to come here around the seventh month—that is, during the time blessed with all good—and every moment you can influence students in this direction is more precious than anything. And instead of this you wish to leave your flock unattended etc.—it is difficult for me in general to give rebuke, especially since I do not know if what you wrote about traveling here was meant as a question or merely as sharing information; if so, then there is no place at all for rebuke or similar comments—but I could hardly believe my eyes when I read this in your letter.

It is understood that my opinion here does not pertain to obtaining papers; if you wrote only as notification of a final decision—write directly to the secretariat about this and they will try as much as possible. But my opinion—plainly—is as above.

Blessings for success in your studies and personally.

Summary

The Rebbe stresses the importance of remaining in Eretz Yisrael for both personal growth in Torah study and fulfilling communal responsibilities. He cautions against leaving without true necessity and highlights the unique mission opportunities available locally.