1183 —הדרכה לאגודת חסידי חב"ד בארץ ישראל

B"H, 9 Elul, 5711.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 19th of Menachem Av and those before it. I was pleased to read in your letter that you have begun to prepare a practical work plan and are proposing various details regarding your future activities, seeking my opinion on these suggestions.

In my view, considering the situation in Eretz HaKodesh regarding Chabad chassidim as I imagine it, generally the Chabad chassidim in Eretz HaKodesh are divided into several categories: a) Various institutions such as yeshivot, kollelim, etc., but each must have a certain degree of autonomy; b) Individuals and private people of various types—such as rabbis, shochetim, youth, etc.; c) All Anash as one collective body.

Therefore, in my opinion the roles of Aguch are: (a) To represent Anash in matters pertaining to category (c) above—that is, matters not related to a specific institution or individual group among Anash. (b) To coordinate the work of the institutions to prevent conflicts and confusion between them. (c) General oversight over the institutions without interfering in their internal affairs. (d) General oversight over the different groups within Anash—such as the youth organized under Agudas Tzeirei Agudas Chassidei Chabad independently and also Nshei Chabad who will certainly organize themselves into their own group as I suggested in one of my previous letters. (e) To be attentive to all new developments in Eretz HaKodesh—to make suggestions and take initiative for new activities needed at any given time—for example saving immigrant children etc.

To avoid objections to Aguch's decisions and actions, it is proper that at least one representative from each institution be on the executive committee (this condition is currently fulfilled since there are representatives from Tomchei Temimim yeshivot, Kolel, Kfar Chabad, youth etc.).

The urgent matters currently at hand are: a) To utilize the auspicious day of Chai Elul coming up in an appropriate way that will bring much benefit both generally and especially for Anash in Eretz HaKodesh; b) To utilize the upcoming month of Tishrei regarding spreading the wellsprings as widely as possible; c) A general directive regarding Shemitah year—both arranging for supplies without Shemitah concerns and spreading knowledge about Shemitah laws; d) A very important matter which I already raised previously—although now its time has passed (since according to my information they were supposed to be in Paris by September 13)—I am again reminding you: to represent Anash before the head managers of the Joint who recently visited Eretz HaKodesh—I trust my request was fulfilled.

I await good news. e) In connection with all this there should certainly be publicity through newspapers and periodicals; this too is included in Aguch's overall work.

Regarding your suggestion to divide tasks among committee members and asking whom I find most suitable for each area—it is difficult for me to give an opinion from afar. In general I am not sure if it is worthwhile to limit methods of work or fit committee members strictly according to such limitations. It seems better instead to consider each member's talents and arrange things so that everyone's abilities are fully utilized—for example those best suited for representing Aguch externally should be given that responsibility overall; those best at organizing internal affairs should handle all internal organization; those skilled at publicity—whether oral or written—should handle all publicity matters etc.

The conclusion from all this: (a) So there will not be opposition from existing institutions—it is advisable that Aguch not interfere in their internal affairs; thus these institutions will remain directly connected here [to headquarters], turning only to Aguch for joint matters with other institutions so things can be coordinated smoothly. (b) Among the most urgent matters is planning activities for Chai Elul and the upcoming month of Tishrei.

Enclosed here is a copy of my letter to the committee of Tzeirei Agudas Chassidei Chabad—they will surely assist with tasks assigned specifically to them. Separately sent is an excerpt from my sichah from Shabbat Mevarchim Elul which should be published appropriately among broader circles.

I await your prompt reply to this letter. I conclude with blessings for a good inscription and sealing for a good and sweet year for each one of you with all you need.

Summary

The Rebbe outlines clear guidelines for Agudas Chassidei Chabad’s structure and priorities: maintain unity while respecting institutional autonomy; focus on coordination rather than interference; utilize members’ strengths; prioritize impactful events like Chai Elul and Tishrei; publicize efforts widely.