1487 —הבהרה על הנהגת בית הכנסת, מאמץ קהילתי, והכנה רוחנית לפסח

B"H, 4th of Nissan, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n engaged in tzt"z with faith etc. Moreinu HaRav Moshe Shaievitch

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...Through our friend who is engaged in tzt"z and the work of Heaven, Moreinu HaRav Yosef Flyer, I received a letter from my father-in-law the Rebbe zatzal addressed to you from the 13th of Tevet 5710. In it he writes as follows: "And he should continue his leadership in the Shaarei Tefillah Bnei Reuven synagogue and may Hashem grant them success," etc. Reb Yosef Flyer writes that he is uncertain about the meaning of this continuation—whether it refers to a set period or not. However, I see no basis for such an interpretation since it is written simply. Therefore, in my opinion, he should not get involved in this matter and should leave it in the hands of Heaven; meaning that if his candidacy is put forth again for the coming term, he should not interfere at all and should agree to his appointment. Certainly everything will be successful for him and for the synagogue.

It is obvious that if he is chosen at an auspicious time as president of the synagogue, it may be worthwhile to try living near the synagogue to reduce unnecessary exertion and instead invest energy into what benefits many and especially individuals.

As we approach the upcoming Pesach holiday—which requires much preparation in every Jewish home, primarily twofold: removing items forbidden on Pesach and bringing in those needed for Pesach—may Hashem grant each one of us that all this also happens spiritually: to remove forbidden things from every Jewish man’s and woman’s domain until there is neither seen nor found (i.e., chametz), meaning that even secretly nothing remains; and to bring into our domain all things needed to serve Hashem with true freedom—as our sages say: "There is no free person except one who occupies himself with Torah."

With blessings for a kosher and joyous Pesach.

P.S.: As requested, enclosed is a copy of my father-in-law the Rebbe’s letter.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches not to force interpretations where none are stated but rather trust Divine providence regarding leadership roles. He urges focusing energy on communal good and preparing for Pesach both materially and spiritually by removing obstacles to true service of Hashem.