3933 —תמיהה על קושי בהקמת מקוה בעיר גדולה

B"H, 7 Kislev, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Michael Lipsker

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from before Rosh Chodesh Kislev with its enclosure... Regarding what you wrote about making conditions: since it is the Jewish custom to make them at the time both parties speak, it is proper to do so.

Regarding the Mikvah in Agadir, it is truly astonishing and surprising—especially so—that whether in a city or in Israel there is no Mikvah... After all, all Jews are responsible for one another, and especially since you have merited to taste at least something of Chassidus and know from the teachings of our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe that 'VeAhavta L'Rei'acha Kamocha VeAhavta Es Hashem Echad Hu' ("Love your fellow as yourself and love of G‑d are one")—and there is no need to elaborate on something so simple or at least that should be simple.

As for your statement that it is difficult to establish a Mikvah there—I am amazed: how can such a thing be written? Since it is known that Torah is eternal—not only for all times but also for all places—therefore Jews in Agadir are obligated in all its mitzvos. It is known that the Holy One only asks according to one's ability; therefore it is obvious that a Mikvah must be established there. The matter depends only on someone who will take practical action and truly desire to do so...

I am certain that if there is genuine desire to establish a Mikvah in Agadir, helpers will immediately be found. I know how it was in Casablanca—even though there one could have said that the Beit Din Tzedek would feel insulted by this etc.—yet even so they helped with the matter; how much more so in Agadir where this must be done as above.

Certainly it is unnecessary to remind you about making appropriate preparations—and complete preparations—in connection with Yud Kislev, Yud-Tes Kislev, and the fifth candle of Chanukah, in addition to preparing to utilize the days of Chanukah.

Blessings for good news in all of the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that fulfilling communal mitzvos like building a Mikvah should not be seen as difficult or impossible. With sincere effort and unity, support will come—even where challenges seem great—because Torah applies everywhere and at all times.