3927 —השפעה בעקיפין על הנוער דרך התוועדויות והתכנסויות קהילתיות

B"H, 5 Kislev, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z melachto melachet shamayim Yosef Flyer

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter and the pan from Rosh Chodesh Kislev... It pleased me to read in your letter about your activities with your students during Sukkot, and certainly you do not limit such activities only to Tishrei but also seek opportunities throughout the other eleven months of the year. The necessity for this is clearly evident, as one can accomplish much more with youth through matters done indirectly—who can say how much is achieved through a farbrengen or a meal—than through direct means. Therefore, it is unnecessary to elaborate further on this point.

Regarding what you wrote about the number of students decreasing because Jews are moving from this district, and who knows what will be in the end—unfortunately, this issue does not require much contemplation. This problem—the relocation from district to district—has existed for several years in various places, both in Chicago and other cities; the past teaches about the future.

It is regrettable that already more than three years ago, if I recall correctly, I drew your attention to the great necessity of opening a branch of the synagogue and Talmud Torah in the new districts of Chicago and to do so in a timely manner. Even if at first it would only be called a branch, its inner intent should be that this branch serve as a seed and center from which a proper institution will grow. Around it will gather those relocating from old neighborhoods before they become absorbed into another environment. On every occasion I would repeat this suggestion—sometimes even disregarding the old saying "with advice one does not get involved." May it be G‑d's will that at least now action will be taken with the greatest energy; yet no matter how great that energy is, it still will not suffice compared to what is required by the urgency of the hour and its spiritual importance for tens upon tens of students. And if one Jewish soul is considered an entire world, how much more so when it concerns several souls.

Enclosed is something recently published which will surely interest you; may you share its content with your surroundings as well.

Since you did not mention anything regarding your health or that of your wife—may they live—it is surely all in order and at peace.

Blessings for the month of redemption—which is Kislev—and as per the saying of my revered teacher (the Rebbe Maharash) of blessed memory: "Also our redemption and salvation—for light and vitality for our souls was given to us."

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that indirect influence through farbrengens and communal events often has greater impact on youth than direct instruction. He urges proactive efforts to support students amid demographic shifts and stresses timely establishment of new community branches.