1564 —הקשר עם יהודים ברוסיא, חינוך חב"ד, והישארות בצרפת

B"H, 11 Iyar, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavaha"ch iy"a nu"n ossek b'tzt"z etc. Nissan Neminov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

As you requested and for the sake of order, I am once again confirming receipt of all your letters since after the festivals of Tishrei: the dates are 28 Tishrei; 8th, 13th, and 17th of Kislev; 2nd and 29th of Teves; 5th, 16th, and 19th of Shevat; 20th and 27th of Adar; and 7th of Iyar. These included the lists and panim (requests) attached to them, which were read at an auspicious time at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law the Rebbe zatzal.

b) I had particular pleasure receiving the names of Anash in Russia. This points to two main ideas: a) The matter of Ahavas Yisrael (love for fellow Jews) and the unbroken bond between them and our brothers in Russia; b) It is almost certain that by maintaining a connection—even if only in thought—this strengthens the concept that all Israel are responsible for one another. Just as the concealments and obstacles in that country do not affect those outside it, so too does connecting with those still there add strength for them to persevere in their situation and lessens whatever control their oppressor may have over them. It is like when part of a body is in fresh air—it brings extra vitality even to parts in a basement with stale air. But this requires being like one body—and this is the power of thought, especially imaginative power as explained many times in my father-in-law's talks: time and place do not limit this. See also his talk (Simchas Torah night in the sukkah, year 5693). Even though there he speaks about a leader in Israel, something similar applies to all who are connected to him—especially when it is a community about whom "He is mighty G‑d Who does not despise." Surely they will maintain such connection going forward as well. Without doubt this will greatly benefit those there as well as those here. As my father-in-law would say: "Hashem never remains a debtor..."

d) Regarding what you wrote about students' mood being unsettled due to confusion over travel plans—I am enclosing a short letter for them which you will surely explain appropriately.

f) I was pleased by your report on the study schedule—especially that even those learning Hora'ah (Yoreh Deah) now also study some Gemara with Rashi and Tosafos daily. Regarding Chassidus review by heart: consideration should be given to each one's ability to grasp and remember. For those who find it very difficult and it takes much time—even though they cannot be exempted—they should not be burdened with frequent reviews like those who learn easily. The local mashpia should decide how much each can handle—but as above everyone should participate at least somewhat.

g) Another point about reviewing Chassidus by heart: among the discourses reviewed publicly there should be some that are easy for laymen or Avrechim unfamiliar with Chabad Chassidus. These discourses should not be tied to specific holidays or Shabbosim but address topics relevant year-round so they can be reviewed whenever needed outside Tomchei Temimim or Anash circles.

h) Since school vacation days are approaching for government schools in France—preparations should be made so that during vacation some youth not yet connected to our circles can be brought under our influence for several weeks. This way there is hope they will change and draw closer to Torah and mitzvos—and perhaps even continue learning afterwards at a kosher Talmud Torah or join public classes or even Tomchei Temimim yeshivah.

yud) Regarding your question whether you should move from France here—I refrained from writing because I relied on your understanding that this itself is an answer; likewise for those who asked me orally on your behalf I spoke more openly my view. But since you ask about this in every letter including your most recent ones—I will respond briefly.

In general such questions—whether one should leave here to go there—should be considered from both sides: both here and there. For someone whose influence extends over others—certainly when his students are bnei Torah—it primarily concerns their situation as well.

When you consider your position in Paris/France: Hashem has granted you leadership over an institution founded by our holy Rebbeim—the Tomchei Temimim yeshivah—which means Torah study with awe of Heaven, separation from materialism, generally involvement with refined matters. Over years there you have clearly seen opportunities to increase student numbers many times over—even among upper classes let alone lower ones—and also among Talmud Torahs connected to this institution as well as outreach efforts bringing mitzvah light into Jewish homes throughout France where people have yet to realize they must send their children out for Torah education.

If this was seen clearly even without any special effort to expand student numbers—how much more so would have been seen had effort been made! Even though there are several involved managers etc., as with most such institutions everything depends mainly on one person who guards its core spirit throughout all departments—as was told me regarding Paris now compared with previous situations elsewhere including Russia—you are that person! Through you came strengthening vitality throughout all parts of the yeshivah and Anash circles around it.

I repeat again—even now although some Anash have moved from France (and according to reports except for a few this was foolish)—there remains broad opportunity both quantitatively and qualitatively for increasing student numbers at yeshivah/cheders connected with it—but only if real effort is made—not just perfunctory action but truly for its sake! After considering all this—I see no room whatsoever for doubt about leaving your post at Tomchei Temimim France—the only such institution currently anywhere in Europe where its spirit is preserved more than elsewhere—and I do not see need for proofs from other places so I will just bring several points:

The saying of our Rebbe tzt"z: "Anan poalei d'yoma anan—we must make light," meaning this is our essence; The Alter Rebbe's assurance that through tzedakah—including spiritual tzedakah—a person's mind/heart become purified a thousandfold (see notes on this discourse at start of Likkutei Torah), meaning literally—not exaggerated—that what could normally be achieved through a thousand hours' work can be gained through one hour via tzedakah! When one calculates success achieved thereby—it is truly wondrous!

The main thing: why try carrying alone "the package," fighting both external/internal challenges when by connecting yourself fully with an institution founded/led by our holy Rebbeim—you become part of it/them—and thus their responsibility rests upon you while your job is simply not interfering with drawing down blessings spiritually/materially which they channel into all participants especially those spreading Chassidus outward while guarding its core within.

Of course I do not rule out travel entirely—for these times are extremely changeable so situations may shift; nor do I rule out visits—but regarding permanent relocation—as above—I see no logical reason whatsoever why you should leave your place seeking something new etc.—and further elaboration is unnecessary.

Blessings for success in holy work—to inspire vitality/connection/closeness to the living G‑d among students especially and your environment generally—which will also serve as conduit/vessel for proper health for yourself/family—health both spiritual/material.—Awaiting good news.

Summary

The Rebbe emphasizes maintaining spiritual bonds across distances, thoughtful educational leadership tailored individually, outreach during school breaks, and advises Rabbi Neminov that his unique role leading Tomchei Temimim France continues to be vital—urging him not to relocate but deepen his impact where he already serves.