1978 —בנין בית ספר, מימון מקוה, ופעולה על הצעות קרקע

B"H, 17 Teves, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your telegram regarding the visit of Mr. Kol here. He visited me last Thursday, and during our conversation he stated simply that he will fulfill his promise regarding the construction of an agricultural school in the village. For my part, I again confirmed that for five years—I take responsibility—they will repay the Agency half the building expenses. In response to my question, he told me that in his opinion it is better to consider ready-made wooden houses imported from abroad. However, I later had the opportunity to speak with someone involved in construction in Eretz Yisrael who told me that although there are additional expenses involved, every effort should be made for the building to be a permanent structure of cement and bricks, etc., due to the intense heat and dryness of the air which harms the durability of such wooden houses. Surely you will clarify this matter on site as well.

Mr. Kol also told me that construction would take about half a year even if it is with those wooden houses mentioned above, and even longer if considering brick buildings etc. I await your clarification on this matter.

I was approached by the Central Committee for Family Purity in Jerusalem (the one under Rabbi Halperin) through their representative here Rabbi Barzel and afterwards also directly in writing from Jerusalem to assist with building and completing mikvahs in Eretz Yisrael. I promised them my assistance—but through their representative in Eretz Yisrael, i.e., Aguch [Agudas Chabad]. According to their letter—the most urgent matters are those listed below (as quoted at the bottom of their letter), together with the required sums for each place. My assumption is that surely the sum is more than necessary; this was one reason I said it is impossible otherwise except that my assistance be received through Aguch and their representatives will inspect the situation on site.

Of course, without establishing an independent center for mikvah construction; rather, wherever they assist they should examine the situation and ensure that the funds given go only for this purpose. Although not willingly, Rabbi Barzel had to agree to this but requested it be known that it is through his efforts—and naturally I agreed.

I ask you kindly to consider and assist in one of these places—specifically where there are at least some Chabad activities nearby.

Another point—the mikvah must be built according to the instructions of our Rebbe (the Rashab), since he is our halachic authority. As is also known in law: "In a place where there is a Rav one must follow specifically his ruling," even though elsewhere another authority may rule differently. There is no issue here of "Lo Tisgodedu" (do not form factions) for several reasons etc.

I write this so you will consider it since surely others will try to have things done according to other instructions. It goes without saying you should not enter into conflict but rather explain that it is against halacha to force someone not to follow his Rav's ruling—especially in such matters where both types of mikvahs are kosher according to all opinions; some are stringent according to certain authorities by foregoing others' views, while others do the opposite...

Regarding what you wrote that five hundred dunams have already been approved for the village—and meanwhile my letter arrived suggesting efforts toward a thousand dunams—there are those who interpret my words as meaning not to accept the five hundred but only begin efforts toward a thousand and wait until then. I am shocked that everyone wants to attribute their own twisted reasoning as if it were also my view.

It is obvious you must immediately take and use whatever land is given now and also begin efforts regarding an additional five hundred dunams. Since I learned about this interpretation only from you, I am not writing others about rejecting it.

With blessings for success in your holy work—awaiting detailed good news soon regarding all of the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches us here about clarity in communication, acting promptly on opportunities granted by Divine Providence, ensuring communal projects adhere strictly to halachic standards set by one's Rav, and not projecting personal ideas onto leadership guidance.