785 —חוזק בשליחות, מאמצי תורה, והתמודדות עם בדידות

B"H, the 5th of Cheshvan, 5711.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a etc. Michael Lipsker

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letters from Friday, the eve of Shabbat Kodesh for Parshat Vezot HaBerachah and Letetcha Elyon, the Ten Days of Teshuvah, and Isru Chag—which I was unable to answer earlier due to the busy month of Tishrei—I will now write briefly as time is short.

The pidyonos you sent with the list of students I read at the gravesite of my father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m, on Erev Rosh Hashanah and in his room where people enter for yechidut and to give pidyonos during Rosh Hashanah. Surely the tzaddik of the generation—the nasi—my father-in-law the Rebbe hk"m gave his blessings, and may Hashem fulfill them fully both materially and spiritually. I also mentioned at the gravesite the three baalei batim from Midelt you specifically referenced; enclosed are letters to them as you suggested. Please update me on what happens regarding this.

Regarding your note about financial difficulties: there were several side reasons for this. In any case, I hope that things will continue to improve and become more organized.

You surely received all the kuntreisim—including Kuntres Shemini Atzeret among them—with their attached letters. I am interested to know if there was an opportunity to publicize at least some of these talks from those kuntreisim among broader circles and in various towns. Thank you for sending the book given to you by Rabbi from Midelt; please remind him from time to time about other books. Also, if there are other authors or descendants of authors of holy books there, it would be appropriate for you to encourage them to send their works as a gift to our library; if they wish, we will send them books printed by us in return. Please let me know what type of books should be sent especially for PVP or specifically for PVP.

It is very good that you utilize every opportunity to explain a concept in Chassidus wherever possible; I await further updates about this. Without doubt, my father-in-law's blessing will accompany you in this work so it will be very successful. I will also write G‑d willing these days to Rabbi from Midelt.

Regarding student Mr.... it is worthwhile drawing him close in an appropriate way; when possible please ask him on my behalf if he received my letter and what is happening with him regarding his general arrangements. As requested I will write these days to his wife as well.

Please inform me that your visa issue is being resolved; surely through your existing connections there everything will work out in the best possible way.

You write that you feel alone and isolated etc., which brings great weakness in all your work—however your closing words show that this comes from advice of the yetzer hara who tries to weaken everyone’s fulfillment of their mission with words tailored for a shaliach’s nature.

It is known that my father-in-law said: "Chassidus has accomplished that one is not alone—wherever one finds oneself there are Rebbeim." Especially regarding my father-in-law who himself wrote upon his father's passing that "the shepherds of Israel do not abandon their flock," as explained in Iggeres HaKodesh sec. ^[27] and its explanation—that now physical limitations have been removed so they are with each person connected to them wherever they may be—especially where they were sent on shlichus—and particularly when the shlichus is spreading the Baal Shem Tov’s wellsprings outward which prepares for Mashiach’s coming and techiyat hameitim: "VeKitsu VeRannenu Shochnei Afar" (And those who dwell in dust will awaken and rejoice)—and he will be among them.

See also the talk from 13 Tammuz 5709 printed in Kuntres 12 Tammuz 5709—from there you can draw vitality, inspiration, and strength for your work where you are now; even human intellect understands there is no place for thinking one is alone or isolated G‑d forbid—and certainly no basis for weakness in work. If only Anash—and especially temimim—would be careful with my father-in-law’s words even just his talks—especially those from this year and last year.

Regarding etrogim: You write that currently etrogim grown locally are used; the rabbi says they are presumed kosher and not grafted; when you checked them you found no seeds inside. If it is certain they have a chazakah (presumption) of kashrut then they are kosher for fulfilling daled minim since these signs mentioned are not biblical requirements—and chazakah has great power if it’s clear they have such a status.

See Kuntres Chag HaSukkot we have—a tradition exists to seek out specifically Calabria etrogim; Admor Hazaken said this was for a reason known only to him—but since many countries use other etrogim with a chazakah going back generations it pains me greatly to cast doubt upon them—to throw them into doubt. Of course this does not affect us Chabad chassidim or those connected with us—we follow only Admor Hazaken’s custom: blessing over Calabria etrogim.

Regarding signs see also books cited in Shaar HaKolel ch. 37—it quotes Shut Chatam Sofer that etrogim from Yanova require no sign at all; apparently even stringently there’s little concern over signs. I am interested where lulavim and aravot are currently sourced in your country.

I await good news; regards to all who inquire after me.
Menachem Schneerson

You asked about Birkat HaMazon: It says in Likkutei Meir and Birkat Yaakov (from Hilchot Berachot sec. 169 s.v.) and Shut Teshuvat Shai sec. 5711—that if one recited Al HaMichya instead of Birkat HaMazon he has not fulfilled his obligation and must recite Birkat HaMazon again (since Al HaMichya lacks mention of covenant/Torah). See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim sec. 187.

I have now received your letter from Monday Parshat Noach as well as a copy dated Wednesday Parshat Noach—I already wrote that financial matters would be arranged; today we are writing Paris about setting up a regular system… If only we had enough emissaries—and enough funds—to cover all necessary work throughout Morocco and its surroundings!

Regarding Gemaras/kuntreisim requested—I passed along accordingly to the office.

The evening classes for those visiting Alliance schools during daytime—it isn’t advisable to expand this since it serves as a sort of preparation for those wishing their children educated at Alliance schools.
In general our educational network should be called "Oholei Yosef Yitzchak," divided into types: Talmud Torah, Tiferet Bachurim etc.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that even when feeling isolated or challenged financially or emotionally during shlichus or Torah work, one is never truly alone—the Rebbeim remain spiritually present with their emissaries everywhere they go. Perseverance brings blessing and success.