5767 —אפשרות לפתרון לשיכון בכפר חב"ד

B"H, 27 Elul, 5717.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Following my last letter regarding the housing question in Kfar Chabad, just now I have learned of a new possibility which, if true, could solve the housing issue in the village. Although I do not yet know all the details, in general it is as follows: if there are people willing to lend money for several years for building apartments in housing projects, they receive a commitment from the treasury that the loan can be repaid in the foreign currency in which it was given. In addition to this, apparently a separate mortgage is also given to secure the investment. As I was told, negotiations have already taken place about this with Mr. Eshkol. It also seems that one of the conditions from the treasury is that the housing project will be built wherever the lender or his representative chooses, and repayment will be made in that place and currency from which the loan originates; that is to say, in New York and dollars if the loan comes from here.

If these reports are accurate, then despite certain difficulties it may be possible for me to find special lenders under these conditions for housing in Kfar Chabad. Of course, those who settle in these apartments will not only vacate their previous homes but will also need to pay for their new apartments—or at least most of their price—though they will receive discounts on repayment terms over several years.

It goes without saying that I do not wish to trouble you to provide me with all details regarding this possibility—what can be done by others—but I would like to hear your general opinion on this matter and whether you find it fundamentally agreeable. If your outlook is positive on this, I request that members of the village committee visit you at a time and place convenient for you so you can instruct them on what should be done technically.

You surely know the story about two men from within the Pale of Settlement who visited Petersburg and were asked what they saw there. One reported that this city—may G‑d save us—is full of places of impurity at every step; while the other excitedly said that even there one meets fellow Jews at every turn, hears words of Torah, and catches blessings and holiness everywhere. Both spoke truthfully—the difference lies in what one seeks; that is what he finds.

I have become accustomed to seek Divine Providence in everything—as is well known from Chassidus' emphasis on this point—that Divine Providence extends even to minute details of mineral, vegetable, and animal life—and how much more so among humans and significant events.

Thank G‑d I have received good news one after another: first news that a significant sum is being returned to Kfar Chabad all at once; then a personal report from our energetic friend Harav Paltiel Altahoyz who met with you and heard your positive view regarding housing (apparently before my letter reached you); and on that same day I received news about loans for this purpose—thus "by three indications shall a matter be established."

On another note: besides expressing thanks initially through Rabbi Nachum Rabinowitz and now through R' Paltiel Altahoyz—a special thank you for your attention and most precious gift: your manuscript. Although I have not yet had time to study it properly or compare it with printed manuscripts, it appears to be an AriZal Siddur—which is especially timely since Elul's motto is "Bakshu Panai—Es Panecha Hashem Avakesh" (Seek My Face—Your Face Hashem I Seek), a time when one searches his inner self. The way to achieve this is not only by considering revealed G‑dliness manifest through one's actions and conduct but also "Panecha Hashem," G‑d's inner aspect before whom all existence counts as nothing; thereby one's own inner self is revealed—even regarding worldly matters as perceived externally they too are insignificant—and specifically there one finds a world full of goodness and beauty. Only thus does one find true peace of mind—not like those of India whose peace means cessation or withdrawal—but rather an elevated peace sought by Jews: an ascent from strength to strength toward perfect goodness and beauty.

I conclude with blessings for the coming new year upon us and all Israel—for good and blessing; blessings for being inscribed and sealed for a good sweet year both materially and spiritually together.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages exploring innovative solutions for communal needs while emphasizing seeing Divine Providence in every detail. He teaches that true inner peace comes from seeking deeper meaning—not withdrawal—and wishes blessings for material and spiritual success.