693 —קביעות לימוד, ביאורים על התניא, והדרכה בבניית מקוה

B"H, 26 Menachem Av, may Hashem grant good.

Haraha"g vavaha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Shneor Zalman Gerlik

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your detailed letter from the month of Tammuz with some delay. Thank you for the information regarding your fixed learning schedules that you wrote about in detail. As you requested, I am enclosing here a draft regarding the siyum of Maseches Kiddushin that is being studied publicly. Certainly, if you have any comments on this matter, please let me know.

Regarding your question if I have notes from earlier chassidim explaining Tanya: surely you have a copy of what is found by Haraha"g vavaha"ch etc. Reb Moshe Axelrod, as well as what was copied by Reb Avraham Paris. The report I heard (though I do not know if it is true) that in your village the Haraha"ch etc. Reb... whom the Previous Rebbe appointed as... is being disturbed in his position for certain reasons is not a good one.

I do not wish to enter into the details of the matter; however, since we are connected to our Nasi—the Previous Rebbe—each of us must strive not to change anything he instructed in all details, especially matters affecting the public or those that will become public knowledge. Even if there are claims and reasons for interfering with his position, it is possible to find solutions such as fines or similar measures—but not to change the appointments made by the Previous Rebbe.

Of course I am writing all this only as a suggestion without knowing the specifics and without wishing to get involved, especially since I am not present there. I rely on your understanding that things will be arranged in the best way possible from all perspectives.

I hope to continue hearing good news from you about all positive developments. I conclude with blessings and regards to the entire group—may they live.

Menachem Schneerson

Regarding what you wrote about the mikveh: You wrote that another reservoir was made at the side so there would also be "zeriah." According to the method of my father-in-law (the Previous Rebbe), which is a mikveh above an otzar (reservoir), and he wanted that water from below should rise onto the upper floor (according to Reb Yehuda Leib Landau), this is zeriah in its most effective form and does not require hashakah at all according to any opinion. Even if it does not rise onto the floor, it should be arranged so that drawn water falls directly into a hole leading to the lower reservoir—that is zeriah; so what does a side reservoir add? Unless it is just for extra precaution in case something happens to the lower reservoir.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages maintaining established learning schedules and following directives of previous leaders without change. He stresses unity and proper procedure in communal matters and offers practical halachic advice on mikveh construction based on tradition.