3580 —בניית בית כנסת מרכזי בשיקאגו, אחדות הקהילה, ושמירת השם

B"H, 23 Sivan, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n involved in Tzaddik Tzaddik Baal Middot Moreinu Harav Moshe HaCohen Shayevitz

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to see here and receive regards from Anash of Chicago, may G-d be upon them and grant them life, and to hear about what is happening with them in general and with the Shaarei Tefillah Bnei Reuven Nusach HaAri shul in particular. Continuing our conversation: (a) I enjoyed your story about the plot (lot) you bought with the intention to build a synagogue there. The main thing is that it is located in a central area where Jews reside. As is known from the saying of my father-in-law the Rebbe regarding the phrase often used by our Sages: "Whoever engages in Torah is engaged in a mitzvah," which seems similar to "studying Torah is doing a mitzvah." However, for Jewish men and women, their involvement in Torah and mitzvot should be like a business. Clearly, a businessman does not sit at home waiting for someone to come offer him a good business deal and promise him honors if he agrees. Rather, since he knows this business benefits him and his family, he seeks out opportunities in markets and streets, foregoing his own honor and comfort, exerting himself both physically and mentally so that his business will run properly and grow over time. Even when he cannot actively work on his business, he is preoccupied with planning for tomorrow—how to best use even this time as preparation. One requirement is that the business be located where many people from diverse backgrounds can easily visit and connect with it. All these points apply to Torah and mitzvot as well; details are explained elsewhere. All the more so when establishing a synagogue—a place where Jews gather to pray to the King of kings, Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and learn His Torah—as it says: "In multitudes there is glory for the King."

(b) In all Jewish communities—and especially in America—the days of Selichot and Tishrei are particularly suited to bringing Jews closer to our Father in Heaven and fostering unity among them. Therefore every holy matter should take advantage of this opportunity as much as possible; this affects the entire coming year. So even though it’s clear that despite all efforts there won’t be enough time for your new synagogue building on your purchased lot to be ready by this coming Tishrei, you should energetically try to rent at least a large room or hall near that lot where neighborhood residents can pray during these auspicious days of Tishrei. Also establish a branch of their Talmud Torah for local children there—because through this you will unite neighborhood residents as future worshippers and members of their own synagogue once it’s built successfully; likewise their sons and daughters will study at their educational institutions. Both matters depend on how you start off—the school year for learning; the prayer year for davening—since most people continue praying at whatever shul they attend during Tishrei throughout the year; likewise children who begin learning somewhere usually stay until term’s end.

(c) Regarding your report that another synagogue or study hall has proposed joining together with your new building on condition that its name be changed—and you ask my opinion: In my view it’s obvious that since your synagogue’s name has been famous throughout Chicago for decades already, there should be absolutely no thought of changing it; it must remain fully intact—the name which has earned honor and praise. To answer their request you can agree that their name also appears—but clearly "Shaarei Tefillah Bnei Reuven" must come first; ideally separated by words like "and synagogue" or "and study hall," i.e., "Shaarei Tefillah Bnei Reuven Nusach HaAri Synagogue—and Synagogue (or Study Hall) Ploni..." May it be G-d’s will that also in this new neighborhood you merit success establishing a chassidic synagogue and study hall from which will spread Ner Mitzvah Torah Or—and especially Chassidus: its teachings and customs—to all surrounding areas.

With blessings and regards to all worshippers, members, and especially the leadership—may they live.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages building Jewish communal life with energy—placing synagogues centrally for maximum impact—and stresses preserving tradition while welcoming growth through unity. Efforts now lay foundations for lasting spiritual influence.