2852 —בנוגע לאברכים מארץ ישראל הלומדים בארה"ב ושמירת כתבי תורה

B"H, 10 Menachem Av, 5714.

Brooklyn.

Sh"b Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Moreinu HaRav Azriel Zelig

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I learned with delay about the passing of your sister—may she be preserved in life—Feiga, of blessed memory. May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may you know no more pain or distress, G‑d forbid.

I was also shocked by the recent news of the passing of Harav HaGaon v'Haraha"ch TzM"S etc., Moreinu HaRav Avraham Chaim Naeh, of blessed memory. Certainly you will inform me of the details regarding this—how and what happened. It is also worthwhile to ensure in time regarding his writings and books that remain. That is, whatever writings remain from him should be published as much as possible, especially since he wrote to me that he was involved in printing a section of Ketzos HaShulchan. Also, if there are any manuscripts of Chassidus or valuable books among his possessions, perhaps it is possible to exchange them for Kehot books or otherwise send them here. Obviously this applies to those writings or books that are not already here. Thank you for your efforts in this matter; clearly, the sooner the better.

Regarding the idea to send... to study here: as I have seen from the effect of the atmosphere in America on avrechim who came from Eretz HaKodesh—most have not succeeded so far, even though salvation from Hashem can come in an instant. Since Torah speaks according to what usually happens, I am doubtful if this is the way—to send students here without first trying as I previously wrote (surely my letter has reached you by now).

Recently I learned that in the Ministry of Religious Education one official is Dr. Lifshitz who was formerly in Moscow and kept Torah and mitzvos with self-sacrifice. My revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, involved him in several activities and helped him with his affairs. Certainly if his connection to my father-in-law is aroused and it is explained to him that these are indeed those same activities and matters, he will surely assist with all his ability. I await good news about this; if only an appropriate approach is found for him, surely there will be success. You may tell him that I prompted this idea or even say that the initiative came from me along with my wonder that until now I have not found his name among those active in Kerem Chabad in Eretz HaKodesh—knowing his connection to my father-in-law’s matters even when it entailed real danger.

I was pleased by what you wrote about your intention to include Harav Zev Shas and Harav M. Weber—may they live—and especially their work saving youth in Eretz HaKodesh within Tzeirei Agudas Chassidei Chabad; this is very proper indeed. Of course what needs correction should be corrected but the work and activities are inner chassidic matters.

Blessings for chassidic nachas from all your children—may they live—in good health and broad-mindedness.

Summary

The Rebbe advises caution before sending avrechim from Israel to study in America due to past lack of success but encourages efforts for spiritual preservation and communal activism while stressing timely action regarding Torah manuscripts.