3459 —בניית בית הכנסת דורשת השתתפות פעילה

B"H, 9 Iyar, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

... Although it is generally not my way to express an opinion on a matter that does not concern practical action, I am concerned that this also affects the future. It seems that your approach in this shul is to hope that others will take care of its development, and your focus is on giving classes after the baalei batim come there, speeches before them, etc. It seems to me that in several of our conversations I have shared my perspective: baalei batim are busy with their affairs, and it is sufficient when they are encouraged and asked to make a specific effort—whether with their bodies or their money. If you want the building of the shul to be healthy and strong, it is not the way to wait for the baalei batim to come and bring members, friends, worshippers, etc.

May Hashem grant success that there are some baalei batim who are also interested in the development of the shul. As explained in Chassidus, one must clothe oneself in the garments of those being refined. Imagine if you were one of the baalei batim of a shul living somewhat far away and had a family event or similar occasion—according to common sense among people you should learn a kal vachomer: if even the mara d'asra (community rabbi), whose livelihood according to common understanding (and as understood by American baalei batim) comes from the shul, holds his celebration elsewhere, then how much more so should you also act this way for now. And when Hashem helps and the shul develops and becomes a prominent place everyone turns to, then I too will do so. As above, I do not wish to elaborate on something distressing—especially since it appears this is not a temporary matter but an ongoing approach.

My intention is not that you should fear complaints or even wonder why (farvos?), because baalei batim are not interested in seeking out questions or wonders; they have many matters which they call "interesting," and this issue will not bother them nor will they come with complaints. However, there is room for concern as above—that they too may act similarly—and it is self-understood what results such conduct would have on the development of the shul.

Again I must emphasize: even from a livelihood perspective—nowadays it is arranged that one must have a foothold in natural means; then there can be success beyond nature. The foothold in natural means here is through the new shul. Instead of focusing on how your livelihood is limited—which leads to discouragement and sadness—you should consider how to broaden your channels of livelihood also through natural means; this happens by expanding the shul.

I said you should use Pesach by conducting a Seder in the neighborhood where the shul is located so that baalei batim would come for Seder and perhaps invite them for a meal etc., but apparently this was not done. On Lag BaOmer there is opportunity to do something for neighborhood children or on nearby days; again you do not mention this in your letter...

I once heard—and as explained in various places in Chassidus—it is understood that success means: when there are no actions toward increasing livelihood abundantly—or even contrary actions—not only do these not cause lack of livelihood but on the contrary: opposite matters actually help increase livelihood! May it be Hashem's will that regarding all above matters it should be so—that from now on you utilize success properly—not just receiving abundant livelihood contrary to proper conduct but first attaining abundant livelihood through proper conduct, with success used only as an addition many times over...

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that building up a community requires active participation rather than waiting for others. True growth comes from personal involvement and practical effort—both spiritually and materially—in developing communal institutions like a shul.