5688 —בנין ופיתוח כפר חב"ד, דיור, צמיחה, ועדיפויות הקהילה

B"H, 28 Menachem Av, 5717. Brooklyn.

Vaad Kfar Chabad, may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I sent a telegram yesterday stating my opinion that all the money the village receives back from the Agency for electrical arrangements should be invested in building communal housing in Kfar Chabad. This housing is essential for the village's development. If each interested party builds their own house separately, it will certainly lack order and who knows how long it will take; whereas by building a housing complex one can make a suitable plan according to the village's boundaries so that the houses fit together properly.

As soon as construction begins, it should be publicized with an addition that all interested parties must register for the apartments being built—of course, only if they fit the spirit that should prevail within Kfar Chabad according to the will of its founder and director, my revered father-in-law the Rebbe.

I have long since come to this decision but did not see a way to obtain the necessary sum to start a full complex. The return of these funds is another sign that our holy Nasi is arousing mercy on all matters of the village with supernatural success.

I also wrote in the telegram that in my opinion this should begin as soon as possible; if those interested see things getting complicated they may choose to settle elsewhere. There may be arguments for using these funds for other purposes but clearly communal benefit as above takes precedence over individual benefit. Matters requiring small sums will surely have other opportunities to obtain them; not so with something needing a significant amount.

It is also clear that matters where there is hope of assistance from certain funds or volunteers should not use these returned monies; unlike private home construction where there is no hope of receiving budgets from funds or offices.

Furthermore, I did not mean to fund the entire housing budget—surely some offices help establish such complexes and especially since I believe Kfar Chabad has rights as a moshav not far from the border. That means not only are development offices interested but also defense offices; however these only assist with part of the budget—apparently less than half—and the returned money should be used for the part required from the village itself.

It is obvious that eventually these monies will return to the Vaad's coffers (in full or at least mostly), since these apartments are not given as gifts. Then there will be room for further discussion on how to use those funds.

b) Regarding concerns that building a housing complex might change the Agency's attitude toward the village—perhaps negatively since its status as an agricultural settlement would diminish—in practice this makes little difference because if these areas are left empty they would just have dilapidated houses rented or sold out of necessity to those less suitable for village requirements, which would further worsen relations with the Agency since such people would neither be farmers nor otherwise appropriate. This would not happen under my proposal.

c) Based on this it is also clear regarding where to build: it must not detract from plots designated for agriculture. According to maps it seems best suited in old Kfar Chabad; if this requires removing dilapidated houses—this must happen anyway—but previously this was done piecemeal at extra cost and without any overall plan; my proposal avoids this.

d) I believe I have written several times that it is necessary—and for several reasons (not just because of Agency attitudes)—that not only should there not be fewer farmers but their number should increase as much as possible. It is surprising there has been no suggestion regarding surrounding lands: which are suitable for this purpose and how they could be acquired and added to village territory. This must be a main focus of Vaad activity—not only because it's essential but also because as the village develops new sources of income and livelihood will arise reducing causes for friction leading to division—as our Sages say: "When bread runs out strife enters homes," and from a negative you learn a positive.

e) It goes without saying that development must include spiritual matters—not just material ones—and especially education which requires obtaining the best possible educators. It is worthwhile striving and working hard to get them—especially since there is currently a great shortage of teachers in Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt), and especially since Chabad has special educational requirements...

f) Regarding your question about whether negotiations (if any) should involve Mr. Shazar or not—I discussed this at length with Mr. Shazar during his visit here; he promised that in such matters he would devote his attention personally—not only being involved himself but ensuring everything remains aligned with Kfar Chabad’s purpose according to its founder my revered father-in-law—and certainly care must be taken never to harm his connection or affection for all village matters nor act without him—especially regarding what he spoke about explicitly.

g) On your question whether to participate in an overseas fundraising campaign together with any political party etc.—it is surprising you even ask! You know well that Chabad affairs are non-partisan and have been so for centuries; this is one foundation of its success—so why even raise such a question?

Blessings for success in all matters of Kfar Chabad according to its purpose and direction; awaiting good news on all mentioned above.

P.S.: All above comes as approval/response regarding your letters from Thursday and 17th Tammuz (may it soon turn into joy)—and it's surprising there has been no detailed report nor any news at all since then. This was answered by telegram on 21 Menachem Av.

Summary

The Rebbe emphasizes organized community planning over individual action, prioritizing collective benefit while maintaining both agricultural character and spiritual growth in Kfar Chabad’s development efforts.