3812 —סטנדרטים בלתי מתפשרים של תורה כאשר מקרבים אנשים ליהדות

B"H, 6 Tishrei, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n baal meretz u'baal middot ish rav pe'alim laTorah u'mitzvotav mo"h Yitzchak Meir Bunin

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was happy to receive the news that the known matter in the synagogue and study hall has been rectified even before the start of the year, and during days when a large congregation gathers there. This adds to the inherent greatness of the correction itself, as well as to the matter of publicizing support for Judaism in public—which is akin to a sanctification of G‑d's name.

It is well known that specifically regarding matters where the masses are lenient, Torah conduct must be uncompromising (despite various arguments that this is the only way to bring distant hearts closer to pure Judaism). On the contrary: one should explain matters as they are and even add safeguards. As our Sages taught in a few words—showing the path for all who value G‑d's word—"Bekah matza v'gadar bah gader" (He found a breach and built a fence there), meaning if one sees people being lax with mitzvot, one must add further boundaries—not only regarding severe prohibitions punishable by stoning (Eruvin 6a), nor only for new prohibitions not yet accepted (Chullin 110a), but even for rabbinic prohibitions (Eruvin 100b).

May it be G‑d's will that you continue for many years to repair breaches and strengthen the foundations of Beit Yisrael, especially among the younger generation—the future of our people.

Although I am saddened by reports that activities among youth have seen less interest than in previous years, I would be glad to hear that this rumor is unfounded or at least was only temporary. May you continue with renewed energy in influencing youth to instill them with pure awe of Heaven. May it also be G‑d's will that over time you instill them with a spirit of joy in serving Hashem—as emphasized by the Baal Shem Tov on "Ivdu et Hashem b'simchah" (Serve Hashem with joy), which is a clear ruling in Rambam at the end of Hilchot Lulav.

With honor and blessings for success in all above, and with wishes for inscription and sealing for good.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true outreach means upholding uncompromising Torah standards while explaining them clearly—even when others are lenient—because authentic connection comes from steadfastness and genuine joy in mitzvah observance.