3454 —התייעצות עם הקהילה על היבטים כספיים של הוצאה לאור עבור ישיבה

B"H, 6 Iyar, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b-tzt"z Morenu HaRav Shalom Poizner

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 3rd of Iyar, in which you write about the proposal you received to print a book of derush or chiddushei Torah, with the proceeds going to benefit the high school or yeshiva—and apparently you yourself would need to find donors for the printing expenses. Regarding the business aspect of this matter, you should consult with people on site as to whether it is worthwhile from a financial perspective, because someone who donates to the yeshiva by sponsoring a book will likely be difficult to approach again soon after for another donation directly to the yeshiva itself.

As for the essence of the matter: certainly your intention is not that it should be printed in the book that “the yeshiva printed such-and-such a book,” since such a thing does not pertain to Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim. Apparently, your intention is that it will be written in the book that so-and-so published it and is dedicating the proceeds for the benefit of this yeshiva institution. If so, there is room for this proposal depending on what is clarified regarding its financial aspect…

Blessings.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that before undertaking fundraising projects involving publishing, one should consult with local community members about financial feasibility and ensure clarity about how institutional involvement is presented.