2242 —אחדות ושיתוף פעולה להצלחת כפר חב"ד

B"H, 27 Elul, 5713.

Brooklyn.

To the leadership of Kfar Chabad in Eretz HaKodesh, may G‑d be upon them for life!

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter which was begun on Motzaei Shabbat, the bright day of Chai Elul, and surely in the meantime you have also received my letter from here.

Regarding the content of your letter, I am somewhat surprised because in your previous letter you wrote that you saw good fruit from your efforts this year, while in this letter you describe the entire situation in dark colors. May it be G‑d's will that from now on you will report only good news both materially and spiritually.

Concerning your general question—even though this is against my will and contrary to my nature, I have no choice but to write as I see the situation, as I have hinted in several letters since then: It is clear to me that the village is a channel and vessel for your livelihood not only spiritually but also materially. On the other hand, one must look at this matter truthfully—that it is a gathering of Anash (our people), not that each individual is a separate entity who must protect only his own interests and view others or at least some as competitors. Even if such an interpretation was possible when you were previously in our country—when what connected you was only spiritual matters (study sessions in Nigleh and Chassidus, prayer service, charity)—now it is different. What unites you (and does not divide you G‑d forbid) are also your material matters; namely, a Chassidic village in Eretz HaKodesh which over time will serve as a center from which more Chassidic settlements will spread throughout Eretz HaKodesh.

It is understood that there cannot be anything shared if one looks at another as a competitor. If everyone cooperates together, it is beyond doubt that not only will there be no detriment to their livelihood but on the contrary—blessing and success will increase. As our Sages rule: peace is the vessel that holds blessing—the blessing of the Holy One Blessed Be He which is without limit. If the villagers could internalize all this themselves so that it would truly affect them, then relationships would change completely and actions would be different both in form and essence.

According to the above, it is also understood that even if previously in their places of residence communal matters were only a matter of Olam Haba (the World to Come), since "the reward for a mitzvah does not exist in this world," now their current situation serves as a vessel for their livelihood and that of their families. Therefore I have been crying out like a crane for several months already—that this benefits the villagers (in addition to benefiting the overall stature of Chabad in Eretz HaKodesh) so that as soon as possible the village should develop like all other settlements—and even more so. This can be achieved by building an agricultural school and a vocational school and increasing the number of settlers; the sooner they do so, the sooner tangible benefit will be seen even by human eyes.

Mr. Geshtenkarn has visited me several times. One topic we discussed was also the development of Bnei Brak. I saw firsthand that it is neither wondrous nor distant for Kfar Chabad to develop similarly. The only lack is that Bnei Brak had one unified desire—for development—whereas in Kfar Chabad each person is his own world with his own desires; as our Sages say: "Their opinions are not alike," sometimes they are even meticulous about this.

I was pleased to hear that Anash conducted a fundraising campaign at my request and donated 200 Lira Eretz Yisrael for supporting the village committee (one-time), 300 Lira Eretz Yisrael for supporting Beit Rivka and the kindergarten (one-time), and 200 Lira Eretz Yisrael for supporting Talmud Torah in Kfar Chabad. May G‑d grant that you bring me good news in all matters.

Regarding those who are meticulous: I am surprised because all offices in Eretz HaKodesh know that plowing and sowing season approaches; therefore clarity about these matters must come quickly. Similarly regarding building vocational/agricultural schools—the Youth Aliyah office and Joint Distribution Committee are interested in such institutions especially recently; therefore one can hope their representatives will cooperate with you regarding these efforts—and I await good news.

Regarding an agricultural school: based on my conversation with Mr. Moshe Kol when he was here—his opinion too is firm that effort should be made so construction should not be temporary huts but proper buildings—especially since this proposal comes from Mr. Kol himself—they should support him accordingly; especially given my hope for further development as above.

It goes without saying their proposal to give an immediate loan of several thousand Lira Eretz Yisrael—I do not see this as within their capability. On the other hand my strong hope is Mr. Kol will find a solution; certainly my commitment stands firm to repay half over several years—even if they build for fifty or sixty thousand Lira Eretz Yisrael—and even more so.

May it be G‑d's will that they fulfill the saying of tzt"z recounted by my father-in-law—the Previous Rebbe—who once said Alef Beit: Achdut—Bracha (Unity—Blessing).

Toward the new year coming upon us and all Israel for good and blessing—I hereby express my blessing to them and their families: may they be inscribed and sealed for a good sweet year materially and spiritually.

With blessings for success in fear of Heaven and with development of Kfar Chabad—which awaits good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches here that true progress comes through unity—not competition—and when everyone works together selflessly toward communal goals, both spiritual growth and material prosperity are assured by Divine blessing.