804 —עידוד לשליחות, דאגות הורים, ותפקיד שליחות אלוקית

B"H, 22 MarCheshvan, 5711.

Haraha"g vaharaha"ch hanu"n vavac"h iy"a etc. Eliezer Karasik

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 14th of MarCheshvan – I am somewhat surprised, because when your daughter Mrs. Rivkah visited me and spoke at length about the whole matter, she promised me she would write to you and her mother about our conversation. Accordingly, your letter does not quite fit the topic we discussed. The point is: (a) In general, it is not my way to give orders except in exceptional cases; only when my advice is sought do I share my opinion as it appears to me. In this case as well, during the summer the distinguished Avrech Reb Tzvi spoke with me and I clarified my view on how he should establish himself in life in a way that fits both materially and spiritually. This was my suggestion—not an order—which I now offer again to him and to your daughter.

(b) My suggestion was not specifically about settling in Brooklyn, New York or the United States, but rather wherever he can best use his talents—and likewise your daughter can use hers—to their fullest. There are currently two or three places that I hope are suitable for achieving this goal.

(c) When I spoke with Reb Tzvi and your daughter, I immediately emphasized that even if there will be difficulties—even neglect as you wrote in your letter—or even self-sacrifice, who else can be expected to take on such matters if not a Tamim son of a Tamim and a Tamima daughter of Temimim? But (d) success has smiled upon Reb Tzvi and your daughter; this proposal is good for them materially no less than spiritually. My reasoning: experience has already shown what is realistically attainable for Avrechim like them who settle in Brooklyn or New York. I do not wish to elaborate since you surely know firsthand what has become of those young men in our camp who settled there. On the other hand, if my suggestion is implemented and they travel to one of these places, we can hope that the blessing of the Previous Rebbe will accompany them so that before long they will be properly established—he as a community leader (not just a rabbi), since under his leadership there could be a rabbi, teacher, shochet, various institutions etc.; additionally with proper energy your daughter could also find her place in life similarly.

(e) Furthermore—and this is primary—the Previous Rebbe greatly desired to establish centers for Anash settlements throughout the world; this was his intent when sending people to Australia and Canada and speaking about South America and South Africa. We have seen—and surely you have too—that whoever accepted the Rebbe’s mission was saved from all trouble both materially and spiritually—even when supernatural success was needed; especially here where even naturally there are good prospects for settling well—so certainly the Previous Rebbe’s blessings will add even more.

(f) Reb Tzvi agreed to all this already last summer; but then it was not yet practically relevant because I did not want him to travel before clarifying matters regarding his match with your daughter. Now it seems you, your wife, and your daughter do not want this proposal—though Reb Tzvi has already accepted upon himself to be one of the representatives of the Previous Rebbe who even now leads Israel generally and Chassidim particularly.

(g) Proof for all this is found in the story at the end of your letter (which actually contradicts your position): You wrote that when told by the Previous Rebbe that it was unnecessary to insist on a Tamim for your daughter's match, you replied that “when we think about marrying our daughter to someone who isn’t a Tamim—it’s as if our lives aren’t lives.” And see! The blessing of the Previous Rebbe succeeded—your daughter became engaged to an Avrech Tamim—and now efforts are being made so that this Tamim should separate himself from being an emissary carrying out holy wishes—instead settling for previous merits alone.

(h) After asking forgiveness—and surely you won’t take offense—I’m sure you know the saying from the Previous Rebbe (the Rashab), “the Temimim are candles to illuminate.” Also known are our Sages’ words about “according to the camel is its load”—if one does only part but not according to their full ability it’s still considered lacking. Both sets of parents are Temimim; thus they too must illuminate—even through their descendants. Consider how much more light will shine if your daughter and Reb Tzvi settle in Tel Aviv or one of these places.

(i) Again: this is not an order but an answer since my advice was sought on how best to establish themselves in life—as far as I can see clearly bringing great happiness if they accept it—including material happiness.

(j) Regarding what you wrote about their current situation being “a ruined joy”—I am shocked by such words! What is at stake? That they should travel to a city with tens of thousands of Jews where Torah and mitzvos can be observed at a high level—on a mission from the Previous Rebbe—to fulfill his wishes? Then “the agent stands in place of his sender,” going with all his strengths—spreading Torah light among Jews who know little or nothing yet—and for some unknown reason you were chosen for this purpose without having worked or struggled for it! Yet still they hesitate—and even get extra encouragement! And you call this “ruined joy”? Astonishing!

You end by asking forgiveness—I don’t know why forgiveness should be asked from me; this isn’t more my personal matter than yours—for inwardly each one wants to fulfill the wishes of the Previous Rebbe; surely you too would recognize this were it not concerning your own daughter which confuses things. Through such work in South America one fulfills those wishes—so why ask my forgiveness?

In any case since spreading Torah cannot be delayed long—I strongly request you inform me as soon as possible of your decision; best by telegram—as above: I am giving no command here but simply seeking suitable people when such matters come before me.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that shlichus should be approached willingly rather than by command. Accepting such missions brings both spiritual and material blessings—especially when aligned with guidance from chassidic leaders—and fulfills one's higher purpose while illuminating others through personal example.