5629 —התוועדות, חסידות, וקהילה: הדרכה לשזר

B"H, 7 Menachem Av, 5717.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your letter from the 15th of Tammuz and had special satisfaction reading that you participated in the farbrengen celebrating the Festival of Redemption in Kfar Chabad. You were present with several who were eyewitnesses and brothers in distress during those days—seeing is not like hearing. Moreover, one who sees with his own eyes can influence listeners with his vitality, especially when the listener has chassidic vessels to receive this influence. When both are combined, there is mutual influence and completeness—both for the listener who internalizes the matter and for the observer who is inspired by the enthusiasm he aroused in the listener.

I received a letter from Rabbi Kalman Kohen along with material about Shemittah that he sent me—as he writes—inspired by you. Thank you also for this.

Regarding what you write about agriculture in the village: you have surely been told my view that all those connected to it should continue specifically in this work—as is also known from a letter of the Mitteler Rebbe.

I was especially happy about what you wrote regarding Mr. Ben Barak... May it be G‑d's will that his participation in the farbrengen of redemption days will make him a recipient and guided as well. As is known, one of the main principles of Chassidus—based on "Miblay Asher Lo Yimtza HaAdam MeRosh VeAd Sof" (that man cannot find from beginning to end)—is that out of G‑d's compassion for all parts of creation and His desire for complete goodness, everything was arranged so each is both a recipient and an influencer. So much so that G‑d Himself says about Himself "LeMaaseh Yadecha Tichsof" (You yearn for Your handiwork), and as our Sages say: "Avodah Tzorech Gavoha Hu" (service is a need Above), and when Israel does G‑d's will they add strength to His might above.

Therefore I return again to the question of expanding the village (though I certainly do not lose sight at all of founding a second village—when this one becomes sufficiently established), which would also eliminate future questions about names so they could not arise again.

I was glad to read in your letter that you will speak with Mr. Jubiler regarding publishing works of Rabbeinu HaZaken. Since we are coming from the Festival of Redemption—which we heard from my father-in-law was not only his personal redemption but redemption for all matters of Chabad Chassidus—may this auspicious day bring redemption to all matters of spreading Chassidus, especially since Rabbeinu HaZaken is its founder.

Regarding what you write about housing for Talmidei Toras Emes: it has long been part of my plan—especially for those getting married who settle in Jerusalem for various reasons even though housing there involves great expense. Since they nevertheless settle there and ultimately find means to rent or buy an apartment, there is surely room for their promises regarding participation in housing as discussed with you.

Following my father-in-law’s practice to utilize young people's talents, I intend—when this matter comes closer to realization—to link housing with an obligation by these young residents to dedicate time for communal benefit as teachers or guides either in Jerusalem itself or elsewhere for a certain period since there is an increasing shortage in this area. I hope support can be arranged so that help given here will not detract at all from assistance needed by the village.

Of course I have followed discussions at meetings of the executive committee; everyone seeks matters suited to their spirit which they can use over time. It pleased me to see that step by step people are approaching traditional perspectives—in addition to what we discussed previously—that now everyone agrees this is not (G‑d forbid) Messianic arrival (even though he stands behind our wall; but unfortunately the wall still exists though many windows and cracks have already been made—and he watches through them). Now another fundamental step has been taken: recognition that first and foremost every Jew—even those living in Eretz Yisrael—is a Jew; only afterward comes living and settling there. In line with our discussion about seeking common points where we walk arm-in-arm—and even more so together—it is joyful progress that we are advancing on this path.

You surely also participated in the recently concluded International Research Conference. Enclosed is a list from what was spoken before our summer camp children at Gan Yisrael based on teachings of leaders of Chassidus.

In my experience working on such matters I have found one of the hardest things is translating concepts from Chassidus into language understandable even by those currently outside; after all our era focuses mainly on outreach to those outside.

To conclude with words of comfort during these days between the straits—even though joy is diminished during them—their intent and purpose are not merely punishment or discouragement (G‑d forbid), but rather they are days designated for rectifying those things which led to destruction and ruin. The repair follows what our Sages say on "Mizmor LeAsaf Elokim Ba'u..." (He poured out His wrath on wood and stones—that is, on the external Temple), but the main inner sanctuary remains within each person—as our Sages expound on "VeAsu Li Mikdash VeShachanti Betocham" (Make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell among them). The heart of Israel remains awake; through purifying and sanctifying this inner sanctuary within every Jew’s heart—to make it a dwelling place below for Him—we will merit speedily in our days to build Beis HaBechirah through Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages active participation in communal life rooted in Chassidus principles, stresses mutual influence among Jews, supports practical steps toward community growth while maintaining spiritual focus, and offers hope during challenging times through inner sanctification.