3498 —זריזות, חלוקת דירות, ושם הכפר בכפר חב"ד

B"H, 21 Iyar, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Vaad Kfar Chabad d'alayhem yichyu.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from last Motzaei Shabbat, in which you write that you have already submitted a complete list of settlers for the second phase—may it be G‑d's will that this should be at a good and successful time and that matters proceed with alacrity. For in several details you have lost until now due to the entanglements and alarming delays in bringing matters to fruition. It is already known from the saying of the wise—brought in a letter from my father-in-law, the Rebbe—that 'the past teaches how to benefit the future.' It is understood that this applies to the buildings of the second phase as well as all other ongoing matters of the village over time.

I was especially pleased that you added plots for professionals, even though eight alone are not sufficient. Surely if it becomes possible to increase this number you will do all that is necessary...

Regarding the idea that new tenants should be placed in apartments vacated by others—not chosen by the village committee—it is astonishing even to consider this. For this is a direct step toward losing ownership over both the old and new parts of the village. This is not just a temporary matter; it creates a breach and a new order. You must stand firmly that you are to select the new settlers. It is also understood that this is not a matter for conflict; rather, you should immediately prepare a complete list for all apartments that will become vacant. When you come with a prepared list from among the immigrants and explain whom you desire—those who fit your spirit and need housing—you can gently convey the above point: outsiders cannot interfere in spiritual matters of the village, and there will be no need for harsh words. I am certain there is no intention at present to settle unsuitable people in the village; rather, there simply cannot be vacant apartments. Truly astonishing is that such a list has not been prepared on your part when surely you have been informed by Aguch management and by vavac"h iy"a etc. Moreinu Harav Yisrael Leibov that many immigrants were under Chabad influence and wish to continue this also in Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt soon). One does not cry over the past; at least immediately upon receiving this letter contact Aguch management and prepare a list with more than enough names since some may be disqualified by various offices for whatever reason. It is well known that an empty space or void etc. is a source for limitations and judgments. I am sending this letter quickly, and surely your response will also arrive promptly...

I am also astonished that you have not begun building the synagogue or even distinguished between it and building a mikveh; your excuse being that only half of the required sum exists at present. If such an approach had been taken regarding other matters in the village—waiting until full funds were available—the situation would have been dire indeed! You have already seen clearly: when one begins here, eventually one finishes—even if at first one does not have all necessary funds. Since summer is building season in Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt soon), surely you will immediately begin construction of both synagogue and mikveh.

Regarding the name of the village—it is astonishing even to ask about this! My father-in-law, the Rebbe, called it Kfar Chabad (and therefore I refer to it only by this name in all my letters), so there is no place to change or add any other name.

Blessings for good news regarding all of the above as soon as possible.

Summary

The Rebbe stresses prompt action and responsibility in communal affairs: delays cause loss; leadership must retain control over spiritual direction; practical steps should precede perfect conditions; tradition—including names—should be preserved without alteration.