746 —גודל המנין, ירידה לפני התיבה, וקבורה ארעית בארץ ישראל

B"H, 17 Elul, may Hashem grant good.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a etc. Moharach"m.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 7th of Elul, thank you for the information you wrote to me regarding the manner of temporary burial and then later in the Holy Land.

Regarding your question that you and your brother both wish to lead the prayers (descend before the amud), which sometimes results in each of your minyanim having only seven participants, and you ask whether it is preferable for one of you to serve as shaliach tzibbur so there will be a full minyan of ten: I have not heard a specific directive about this, but in my opinion it is good that each of you leads the prayers. Most of the time there will certainly be ten participants in each minyan; if at times you must make do with six etc., you can rely on Shulchan Aruch which states they are "like a complete congregation" (Shulchan Aruch Admor Hazaken 69:5)—he has broad shoulders...

As per your request, I will mention you at the resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe hk"m—yourself and your entire family.

I sign with blessings for a good inscription and sealing [for the new year], and for settling soon in a manner fitting for you both materially and spiritually. Awaiting good news.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages flexibility in leading prayers when numbers are low and assures that halachic sources support such arrangements. He also expresses care regarding burial matters and offers blessings for material and spiritual success.