4954 —משרת רבנות באדעלאיד, השפעה על הקהילה, ודאגות משפחתיות

B"H, 19 Kislev, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Shneor Chaim Guntik

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from 2 Kislev which I received, where you write about the details of the offer for a rabbinic position in Adelaide and ask my opinion on this matter. I must say that I see no room for doubt or question here—due to the simplicity of the matter—that you should strive with all your strength (of course in an appropriate manner) to accept the position since they have agreed to conditions regarding correcting and improving matters connected to religion. It is very likely that their agreement depends on your acceptance of the position. It is also clear from the letter I received from them that this is indeed dependent on your acceptance. Especially since even if matters were already in order—regarding buildings and similar issues—the main benefit is such a position, as there is a strong hope that you will be able to draw members of your community closer to our Father in Heaven, His Torah and mitzvos. This is the main and inner mission of every Jew: drawing his own heart and the hearts of Jews closer to Hakadosh Baruch Hu—as stated in the Mishnah: "I was created to serve my Maker." As is known from chassidic sayings—especially those of chassidim of our Rebbe, the Baal HaSimchah—the order in Torah itself is Torah; and in the order of mitzvos, the first written mitzvah is "be fruitful and multiply," whose meaning is: a Jew must make another Jew.

Regarding what you write about educating your children—certainly this too can be arranged, for it cannot be that fulfilling G‑d's commandment will diminish something essential like educating one's sons and daughters. In my opinion it is also not worthwhile to delay until Pesach as you mention in your letter; for each day one must do his work. Although haste can sometimes weaken prestige, surely a balanced approach can be found; but generally if members of the community are inspired it is not worthwhile to delay action—in fact, one should take advantage of this. Who knows what tomorrow may bring? Also, since they have agreed to build a mikvah—even if your actual arrival there will be delayed for some time—they should begin building it immediately with the argument that such construction takes several weeks or even months.

I am happy for this opportunity to answer your letter on this auspicious day; everything happens by Divine Providence—especially according to Chassidus—and may it be G‑d's will that the merit of this day stand by you and all yours for all needs—including fulfilling your true mission with joy and success.

With blessings for Yud Tes Kislev—the Festival of Redemption—and regards to all Anash in our camp (especially your father-in-law Haraha"g Haraha"ch shlita at their head).

P.S. Enclosed is a kuntres I published; surely you will share its content with many—and merit accrues through benefiting many.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages accepting leadership roles when they enable positive religious influence on others while trusting that family needs can also be met through Divine assistance.