1112 —הדרכה למזכיר בית הכנסת על הנהגה רוחנית ומנהגים

B"H, 26 Tammuz, 5711. Brooklyn.

Harav Hachassid vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Menachem Nachum Auerbach

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Through Haraha"g veHaraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m who is involved in communal needs with faith etc., Shlomo Zalman HaKohen Hecht, I received your pidyon nefesh on behalf of your son Meir Ze'ev ben Esther who is currently in Korea. When I am at the resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, I will read the pidyon nefesh and may you be able to share good news about this soon.

I see on the bulletin of Bnei Yisrael synagogue, where you serve as secretary, and surely according to the custom of Ahavas Yisrael, the secretary is the spirit and life-force of the synagogue; upon him depends its vitality. What matters most is the spiritual life of the synagogue—whether there are public Torah classes and how prayers are conducted on Motzaei Shabbat and festivals, etc.

Although it is surely unnecessary to point out the importance of these matters to you, I rely on our Sages' saying: "We only encourage those who are already eager." Therefore, I wish to highlight the great importance of reciting each day's Tehillim (as divided for each day of the month) after Shacharit every day; to ensure that Maariv on Motzaei Shabbat is conducted in such a way that it does not lead G‑d forbid to desecration of Shabbat; and that mourners who come to say Kaddish should also put on tefillin—which often helps them become accustomed to wearing tefillin for life—and other such details which you can determine based on your knowledge of local conditions and those who pray at your synagogue.

Through all these details you can add vitality to your synagogue and its worshippers—to make them truly lively Jews. As my father-in-law, the Rebbe, said: "The Alm-ghty never remains a debtor," but repays measure for measure—granting long life and additional life to all those involved in these matters so that they and their families will be blessed through Ner Mitzvah v'Torah Or (the candle of mitzvah and light of Torah) and a path of life for all their needs.

Certainly you will inform me good news regarding your son. I conclude with regards to all those who pray there: tell them that our Sages call a synagogue a "miniature sanctuary," and by conducting ourselves properly in this miniature sanctuary we prepare for—and hasten—the building of the Third Beis HaMikdash through Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days.

With blessing.

Enclosed is confirmation for your donation which was delivered to the secret charity fund—this is among the most important aspects of tzedakah.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that a synagogue secretary's spiritual leadership directly influences communal vitality. By fostering Torah study, proper prayer practices, daily Tehillim recitation, and encouraging mitzvah observance among congregants—especially mourners—one brings blessings and prepares for redemption.