4381 —שתילי אתרוגי קלברה, הנהגת רבנות, וברכות להצלחה

B"H, 26 Iyar, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Shneor Zalman Gerlik

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the bright day of Lag BaOmer, the yahrzeit of Rashbi, along with its enclosure. I also received the general pan which I will read at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzukal lehe nbagm zya. At a later time I will confirm its receipt on behalf of all Anash.

Regarding what you wrote about planting Klalbra etrog saplings in Eretz HaKodesh—my opinion is that even now they are not comparable to actual Klalbra etrogim. The issue of grafting here has only been removed in this matter; as is evident from the talks of our holy Rebbeim, there was not only a concern of grafting regarding Klalbra etrogim. This is also clear from the well-known saying of Rabbeinu HaZaken: when the Holy One Blessed Be He said "u'lekachtem lachem..." (and you shall take for yourselves...), they sent an emissary to Klalbra and brought etrogim from there.

I have already written elsewhere (quoted in notes to Tishrei booklets) another reason according to Nigleh: Klalbra is Italy of Yavan which is among the fat places of the land, as stated in Midrash Rabbah on this verse. Therefore it is subject to the command "kol chelev laHashem" (all fat belongs to Hashem), as explained by Rambam at the end of Hilchos Issurei Mizbeach and similar to "ein mevi'in bikurim ela..." (one only brings first fruits from...).

Regarding your notification about your upcoming birthday: May it be G‑d's will that this year be one of success for you in studying both revealed and hidden Torah and performing mitzvos with hiddur. In particular—the mitzvah you are especially careful with: conducting yourself as a proper mara d'asra (community rabbi), as explained elsewhere regarding each person's unique mitzvah which serves as a gateway for all his Torah and mitzvos and draws down all his blessings—as explained elsewhere. May this be with health, expanded mind, and long good years.

Especially since you have merited to be mara d'asra in Kfar Chabad where "there Hashem commanded blessing forever," and where will be revealed the attribute of mercy which is greater than the preceding attribute of kindness—a boundless inheritance stretching from one end to another.

Blessings that your new residence should broaden your mind and change your mazal for good; and blessings for receiving the Torah with joy and inwardness.

Summary

The Rebbe distinguishes between Klalbra etrog saplings and original Klalbra etrogim based on halachic and chassidic sources. He encourages diligent Torah study, enhanced mitzvah observance, and effective rabbinic leadership—especially in Kfar Chabad—accompanied by blessings for health and spiritual growth.