2373 —הדרכה על ביטול שירות לאומי בשקט והשפעה קהילתית

B"H, 28th of Teves, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavaha"ch iy"a nu"n ossek b'tzt"z tzm"s etc. etc. Moharshi"y

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Your letter from the 21st of Teves has just arrived. Regarding what you wrote about the tenth volume of Shedei Chemed: I wrote some time ago to vavac"h iy"a MoharY Shaimotkin to deliver it to your honor as mentioned above. It is surprising that this has not yet been fulfilled, and if even upon receiving this letter it still has not reached you—please inform me and it will be sent from here.

b) Also sent to you in a separate package are Tehillim with the Yahal Or commentary, and the Tanya published here in connection with the recent Yud-Tes Kislev festival of redemption—the first time it was printed in the United States, etc.—as I wrote in my previous letter, and surely you have received it.

c) Now to the main point: Surely you have also heard about the turmoil caused by the issue of national service abroad in general, and specifically in the United States and New York. Certainly now, after registration for those eligible for national service has begun, all circles have realized that this applies only to a very limited number—since religious girls from Meah Shearim and similar communities will be exempted; on the other hand, there are those whom they wish to draft; while those in between are very few—especially since some already work in suitable offices, others are exempted for health reasons or similar. Since enough time has passed for any intoxication from victory over this matter to subside—to show they are not influenced by any pressure, especially pressure from religious circles—now is an opportune moment to strive that this matter be buried quietly and discreetly, in a manner of passive non-action (shev v'al ta'aseh), which is also a respectful approach.

In addition to all this, according to information I have from behind the scenes, even among Mapai circles etc., all enthusiasm for this matter has been lost—especially since they have already shown their upper hand—and if they could find an honorable way out, they would gladly rid themselves of this whole problematic affair and would seize such an opportunity.

Accordingly... now is the opportune moment to influence him so that he issues a clear ruling canceling national service. After all, at least it is no worse than speaking with him privately behind closed doors or than a Beis Din administering punishments as a temporary measure. Especially since many families and circles view this entire matter as akin to severe transgressions (even if this perception is due to propaganda from certain groups), but ultimately it has been accepted by broad circles—both among Jews and non-Jews—as a fight against religion generally and specifically regarding immorality. Therefore, for them it is considered transgressing religion and they must act accordingly.

As these days Rabbi Shimson Rafael Weiss—the energetic executive director of "Young Israel" here—is traveling to Eretz HaKodesh (the Holy Land), surely you heard about him during your visit there last year. He accomplished much there regarding fear of Heaven with great energy despite opposition from various sides. I asked him to visit on my behalf... After he informs you according to his own knowledge about the uproar caused here by national service—and how without doubt this will harm various fundraising efforts and attitudes toward settling Eretz Yisrael etc.—he will convey... my perspective and request regarding the current situation with national service. And based on inside information that even leftists seek an honorable way out... now is an opportune moment... for them to take initiative; beginning with a clear directive canceling national service.

I asked Rabbi Weiss that before anything else he should visit you first and ask you to arrange for him an interview with... especially regarding this matter; ideally you would also be present at such an interview so you could use your influence and standing with... in order to bring about practical results quickly—for any delay could cause damage in several ways...

e) Surely there is no need to remind you: if you have any comments or suggestions regarding additions made in Tanya, please inform me openly; thank you in advance.

f) I was pleased that you were honored by being given the Gemara lesson via radio (and surely this will not interfere with your most important work on Encyclopedia Talmudit—which is considered a mitzvah that cannot be done by others; therefore Torah study may also be set aside for it). Surely from time to time you'll find opportunities to spice up lessons with matters of fear of Heaven and practical mitzvos—for "this is man's entire purpose," as it says: "And He commanded us to do all... so that we may fear Hashem our G‑d." May Hashem's desire succeed through your hand—to spread Torah's light near and far—and may you see good fruit from your labor for long years filled with goodness and productivity.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that sensitive communal issues can often best be resolved quietly through respectful influence rather than confrontation. By leveraging unity within various groups—even those previously opposed—a dignified solution can be achieved while upholding Torah values.