4911 —הצורך של בית רבקה במלבורן

B"H, 7 Kislev, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n engaged in tzt"z Shmuel Betzalel

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After a longer trip, a letter from you dated 29 Cheshvan has finally arrived. As per your usual practice, even in this letter you do not write how the days of Tishrei passed for you, especially regarding the strengthening and expansion of Chabad institutions in Melbourne—may Hashem grant them success.

What you write regarding Beis Rivkah and your concern that it might become a burden on the yeshiva shows that you—and unfortunately a large part of Anash—have not yet truly contemplated the words of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, of blessed memory, which were said many times and partially copied and printed regarding the vital importance of girls' education—Jewish education in general and chassidic education in particular. Just as with boys' education, chassidim and Anash devoted themselves not only to ensure Jewish education in general but specifically chassidic education—and the difference between ordinary education and chassidic education needs no explanation for you and all those who come from our country before; you have all seen yourselves how much it affects even fundamentals of faith—so too is there a difference regarding girls' education. Perhaps it is even more significant when considering that when the girl grows up she will be the mainstay of the home and eventually the mother whose children's education will depend largely on her.

Looking at this entire issue from this perspective changes the question entirely: there remains no room for doubt whether there should be a Beis Rivkah or not—G‑d forbid—just as there is no doubt whether there should be a chassidic institution for boys or not. The only question is how to arrange its finances so it can be self-sustaining. In fact, this situation is better than that of Oholei Yosef Yitzchak; when they were founded there were already many Jewish schools for boys. Regarding Beis Rivkah, according to information I have heard here from the Feiglin family, competition is very weak. The temporary deficit you mention is presumably not due to weakness in the idea of Beis Rivkah but rather to a different attitude among Anash toward this issue compared to Oholei Yosef Yitzchak. Therefore, what is needed is deeper contemplation and effort to strengthen and expand it.

It goes without saying that there is no basis for any resentment—G‑d forbid—about what you mentioned at the end of your letter. On the contrary: The more details are written about the situation there—and from more people with different perspectives—the clearer our picture becomes here and helps reach conclusions. But regarding the core matter: The existence of a Beis Rivkah is absolutely necessary; it only remains to arrange things in the best possible way.

By the way, I want to point out another thing: Specifically through Beis Rivkah do Anash have a special opportunity to reach women from various circles around Anash—even those currently very distant from this—and what cannot be achieved through Oholei Yosef Yitzchak can be accomplished here; it just depends on finding suitable ways to bring them in.

I also want to note that according to local practice here—and considering lower expenses for girls' education—Beis Rivkah can become self-sustaining even sooner than Oholei Yosef Yitzchak.

Certainly all necessary preparations are being made to utilize the days of Kislev—especially 19 Kislev and Chanukah—for matters related to Chabad and its institutions. May it be G‑d's will that there be outstanding success.

Blessings for good news in communal matters and your personal affairs.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that establishing Beis Rivkah in Melbourne is essential for ensuring strong chassidic education for girls, which shapes future generations. He encourages deep community involvement and stresses that practical challenges should not overshadow this vital mission.