3568 —הרחבת רישום תלמידים ושיפור בניית מקוה

B"H, 19 Sivan, 5715. Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Moreinu HaRav Saadia Librov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 13th of Sivan: May it be G‑d's will that your boundaries increase in students quantitatively, and consequently also qualitatively; this will make further growth easier, as is clear from the principle that for every one who learns Mikra, a hundred enter for Mishnah, etc. It is somewhat surprising that this increase has not already occurred, since you wrote that several students were sent to you from Casablanca. I await good news.

Regarding what you wrote about the mikveh: Although not a single word is clear in your letter, it seems you mean that the water from the mikveh exits and is sealed by an iron stopper that closes a hole in the floor of the mikveh. I was alarmed to read this—perhaps this is not what you meant. There have already been outcries against permitting something constructed from the outset with such an intention, etc. Surely you have a copy of the letter from our Rebbe Maharashab of blessed memory, who did not want even a rubber (kautschuk) plug to seal a hole because of those who say it can contract impurity; he advised making several seals in various places using simple wooden implements made very smooth. Since it is difficult to achieve tightness between wood and stone, the advice is to make part of the floor's corner out of wood with a hole sealed by a wooden stopper; sealing wood with wood is easier. But what is even better—and this has become standard practice wherever possible—is not to have any hole in the floor at all; instead, remove water using a pump (nasos), preferably one called a siphon pump, which is well known to those involved in such matters.

Enclosed is my response to... I rely on your understanding to explain further if needed. Also, as appears from your letter—it would be worthwhile for you to travel, after proper preparation, to study in Bruna.

Blessings for good news in all the above,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe emphasizes both expanding student enrollment and maintaining high standards in mikveh construction according to halachic guidance. He encourages seeking expert knowledge and careful adherence to tradition for communal benefit.