559 —המשך העבודה החינוכית באפריקא וקבלת תפקיד הנהגה

B"H, 20 Shevat, 5710.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Mordechai Lipskar

Shalom u'Vrachah!

We are still confused and stunned by the passing, and it is still difficult to write letters. But it is clear that the holy will of the Rebbe Rayatz, of blessed memory, was—and remains—that there should not be, G‑d forbid, any weakening in any area of work that stood under his leadership. All those connected to him should strengthen themselves with even greater vigor and energy in fulfilling their roles that he assigned them.

There is no doubt that also in the future, the Rebbe Rayatz will continue to influence them with his spirit so they will succeed both in their communal work and in their personal lives.

One of the matters that the Rebbe Rayatz spoke with me about in the days before his passing was regarding the education of Jewish children in African countries: to establish there—with G‑d's help—a branch of his educational work. Its purpose would also be to assist our fellow Jews living in Africa by founding and organizing proper educational institutions—and for this goal also to train a group of teachers from among themselves—and also to supervise so that no injustice is done to young people who come from there to Eretz Yisrael, and to guard them so they are not, G‑d forbid, ensnared by heresy.

He told me that regarding this he would write to you that you should travel there—to Africa—to visit and assess the situation on site, organize the work there, and manage it there. Among your duties would also be to conduct ongoing negotiations with the local Joint (Joint Distribution Committee), which over time would take on the expenses (according to standard procedure, the Joint in Africa would refer this matter to the central Joint office in France; through Rabbi Gorodetzky this will surely be arranged properly). That concludes what he said.

Meanwhile, "the mighty ones have triumphed," etc., and this matter was not written down.

Since it has been decided—with G‑d's help—to continue all activities conducted under the leadership of the Rebbe Rayatz and even strengthen them further with greater vigor and energy—which is certainly his holy will—I am hereby informing you of all this. I ask you: if you agree to accept upon yourself this position—and I have no doubt you will accept it with great joy—please notify me so I can write to the office in Paris to arrange all related matters.

Until such time as the Joint takes on responsibility for expenses—since they usually wait until they see actual work—we will send, G‑d willing, the necessary budget from here.

And "your beginning may be small but then," as said by the Rebbe Rayatz in one of his talks (apparently quoting the Baal Shem Tov), "your end will flourish greatly."

The view of the Rebbe Rayatz was that at first you should travel personally to Africa; only afterward should your family join you there. This I heard after it became known that a previous job offer made to you was canceled and you returned to your previous work.

I await your prompt reply.

Summary

The letter highlights steadfast dedication to continuing Jewish education initiatives even after loss. The Rebbe urges accepting responsibility with joy and assures support for overcoming challenges through unity and faithfulness to one's mission.