1649 —הדרכה על בניית בית ספר, הלוואות, ומעורבות קהילת חב"ד

B"H, 19 Sivan 5712.

Brooklyn.

To the administration of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Lod, may G‑d grant them life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

My previous letter regarding the conversation with Dr. Shapira has surely already been received, and I acknowledge receipt of your letters from 26 Iyar and 3 and 11 Sivan with their enclosures.

b) I saw in your letter that about two years ago you were offered a loan from the Agency, and you write that you did not use it. I am interested to know the details of this matter.

c) As understood from your previous letter and your current one, regarding the loan of four thousand lira—it is necessary to expedite this matter.

d) Regarding what you wrote about two approaches for the building—whether to erect a hut or build on the roof or to connect two existing buildings in the Railway Neighborhood—it seems that the second approach is more appropriate than the first. In general—when one takes a broader stance, Hashem helps. Especially when actual construction begins but there are insufficient means to complete it, it is easier to obtain additional assistance in the form of a loan or even better. Surely also with the amount you will receive now (and perhaps you will succeed in getting them to give you also the four-thousand-loan from before), this sum can be used for construction—even if only part of it—before everything is completed.

e) Regarding the location for the Torah U'Melacha school in the village—whether to place it at the beginning or end of the village—as you describe the situation, it should be placed at the beginning of the village so that it will be more noticeable, along with several other advantages as you write. Most importantly—it brings things closer to action; that is, that learning will finally begin in practice.

f) In response to your question: I have already written my opinion previously that this school should focus on a profession from which one can hope for a livelihood in Eretz HaKodesh. It seems that printing or carpentry and similar trades are suitable for this. I have already conveyed through Harav HaChassid HaRMG—when he was here—that one should rule out a school specializing in electricity or radio and similar fields.

g) Regarding your question whether to combine the vocational school with a proposal for an agricultural school from Aliyat HaNoar: there is great concern that one plan will confuse the other and arouse among supporting institutions disputes over leadership, etc. Therefore, for all these reasons, this idea should be rejected under current circumstances. However, in thought (not even verbally to others), one can consider this idea; when both initiatives—or at least one—is already underway practically, perhaps then discuss combining them where "a candle for one is a candle for a hundred." But I repeat my view: if they propose and begin discussing combining these two schools now, there is reason to fear they will seize upon this as an excuse to indefinitely postpone both proposals into theoretical discussion rather than action.

h) Regarding a name for the institution: at present it is not advisable to tie yourself down with a permanent name. Leave room open; call it simply "School for Printing" or "for Carpentry," etc., associated with Yeshivas Lod. Apparently it's not advisable to specify Tomchei Temimim as part of its name since then there would be conflict between fundraising efforts for this school versus those for Tomchei Temimim itself. This should suffice.

i) I greatly enjoyed your detailed letter regarding both quality and quantity of yeshiva life; as you wrote, there has been an elevation in quality compared to before. I was also pleased to read that students are being sent to participate in Chabad activities—especially spreading wellsprings outward—and surely they will continue doing so appropriately so students understand their mission is Torah study (both revealed Torah and Chassidus), but due to urgent need—a true matter of saving lives—they must dedicate some time to rescue efforts; their hearts must feel pain over this necessity. The mashpi'im especially must explain this dual expectation: sending students out faithfully while also making clear such work is not their ultimate purpose except due only to pressing times at ikvesa d'ikvesa d'Meshicha (the very end of exile). Certainly more than what I've written here will be explained by you to all students.

j) Enclosed are some scripts related to public activism involving yeshiva students.

k) You conclude your letter saying until now you were not accustomed to reporting details but now found it necessary; it's unfortunate this wasn't done earlier—but there's no need to apologize for doing so now. Surely they will lend their hut as a loan to Ohalei Yosef Yitzchak's network since circumstances require it now. My intention was not that they take upon themselves Aguch's share regarding their yeshiva but only that they urge them onward.

With blessings for success in your holy work—and may Hashem grant you good news frequently regarding all matters.

Summary

The Rebbe offers practical guidance on building decisions and funding strategies while emphasizing clarity of mission and cautioning against premature program mergers. He highlights students' primary focus on Torah study alongside vital communal outreach during pressing times.