1014 —עידוד לחזק הנהגה יהודית לאחר אבדה

B"H, 22 Iyar, 5711.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g hanoda leshem tehillah, maskil al davar tov, baal middot terumiyot, oseik b'tzt"z be'emunah iy"a etc. etc. Moreinu HaRav Avraham Yitzchak.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I have heard much about you from Haraha"ch hanu"n iy"a oseik b'tzt"z etc. etc. Moreinu HaRav Moshe Leib Radshtein, regarding your activities in supporting Judaism in your city in general, and especially your involvement in the matters of my revered father-in-law the Rebbe zatzukal l'havdil nishmaso Eden and his holy institutions in particular. I was pleased to hear that you will continue these efforts even after the great loss suffered by the Jewish people—their captain, my revered father-in-law the Rebbe zatzukal l'havdil nishmaso Eden.

In fact, it is more correct to say not despite the loss but rather because of it; after such a great loss, our responsibility increases many times over. Each of us must stand firm with greater strength against all concealments and obstacles—especially this concealment and obstacle—since the passing of tzaddikim is harder than the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. This obligates and merits each person who recognizes the needs of the Jewish people—especially in these days of doubled and redoubled darkness when light is called darkness and darkness light—to stand strong at his post. Anyone who has influence over a certain environment, especially a rabbi and community leader, must strive even more to strengthen Judaism and spread Torah.

We have already been assured that whoever adds is given more; one interpretation is that whoever adds strength in his service of Torah and mitzvos is given additional strength and ability to go from strength to strength—especially "your heads of your tribes," meaning rabbis of communities upon whom the merit of the many depends to lead them on the path ascending to Beis El.

May Hashem grant that you have long days at your sacred post with peace and expansiveness, leading your congregation in peace—and there is no peace except Torah—as our sages said (Sanhedrin 99b): "Whoever engages in Torah for its own sake brings peace to the heavenly entourage and earthly entourage," and brings many back from sin to draw their hearts closer to our Father in Heaven.

Enclosed is the booklet for Lag BaOmer recently published, along with a copy of the general letter related to it. I hope it will interest your honor.

With blessings for success in your holy work and all good things in your personal matters.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that after losing a great leader, our responsibility grows even greater. Every Jewish leader must strengthen their efforts for Judaism and Torah, knowing that increased dedication brings increased Divine support.