4593 —פעולות האברך מנחם בן ציון, לימוד חת"ת, וגישת חב"ד

B"H, 3 Menachem Av, 5716.

Brooklyn.

The Avrech Menachem Ben Tzion sheyichyeh

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your two letters: At an auspicious time, all those you wrote about will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, and may it be G‑d's will that you will share good news about each one of them.

Regarding what you wrote about your activities within Tzeirei Agudas Chabad: Surely you—and everyone involved—will not be satisfied with what has been accomplished so far, since the needs of the time require actions on a much larger scale. And since it is necessary, certainly the ability has been given to fulfill this demand. It depends only on those working in this area. May it be G‑d's will that you have good news, especially in this matter.

Regarding your notification about your birthday: Surely you observed the customs of this day as Anash have done recently. May this year be one of success for you in Torah study, meticulous mitzvah observance, and prayer in general—as is understood. And obviously, work in spreading the wellsprings is a great principle in Torah—as Rabbi Akiva said: 'Ve'ahavta l'reiacha kamocha' (Love your fellow as yourself)—this is a great principle in Torah.

Blessings,
In the name of my father-in-law the Rebbe shlita,
A. Kvint
Secretary

Regarding what you wrote about complaints against Tzeirei Agudas Chabad and similar matters: Avoid all debate on this topic because some of those who complain would do so regardless. The rest do not recognize the fundamental difference between Chabad's approach to outreach and that of others. Chabad follows the directive of our Sages as brought by the Alter Rebbe in Tanya chapter 32—to love people and bring them (the people) closer to Torah. The other approach is to "bring" Torah closer to people. If someone does not recognize these two opposite extremes—can he rule on this matter?! Those who complain about Chabad's approach do not pay attention to the first part of our Sages' directive above. One who contemplates deeply on 'to extract precious from base' (see Bava Metzia 85a) will accept insults calmly.

The index book was received—thank you very much.

Regarding completing missed Chitas study sessions: Obviously yesterday's session comes first; it is proper to complete them in order and not learn chapter two before chapter one. This is clear.

On your comment why not initially postpone Chitas sessions until after Tisha B'Av: Since we compare Chitas to kodshim (sacrificial matters), where night follows day—it is understood that completing them at night after is only allowed under pressing circumstances or after the fact; support for this was found from kodshim etc., but not ideally—since Ma'ariv prayer etc. conflicts with these studies. Many cases of making up missed obligations are only after the fact.

In other words: In halachah regarding making up missed obligations—some (but not all) allow making up only part rather than all of what was missed.

Additionally: It is known from what is written by the Arizal that one should not study Mikra (Scripture) at night; likewise there is care taken not to recite Tehillim at night until midnight.

Summary

The Rebbe urges expanding outreach efforts with dedication and clarity about Chabad’s unique approach—bringing people closer to Torah rather than adapting Torah for people—and emphasizes careful adherence to halachic order in both learning and practice.