ב"ה, א' שבט, תשי"ח
ברוקלין.
הנהלת כפר חב"ד אשר בארצנו הקדושה
תבנה ותכונן על ידי משיח צדקנו,
ה' עליהם יחיו.
שלום וברכה!
במענה על מכתביהם והפ"כ*
א) מובן ופשוט בתכלית שאין כל מקום לסברא ע"ד כפר או שיכון שיתופי עם מפלגה - אפילו הטובה ביותר, שהרי זהו בנגוד גמור ומוחלט להנהגת רבותינו נשיאינו, שענין חב"ד הוא על מפלגתי, ותעודתו הפנימית הפצת המעינות עד שיגיעו גם חוצה, ופשיטא לשאינם בחוץ, שמפלגה, איזה שתהי', ה"ז מפריע בגוף העבודה ובסניפי' ולתמי' גדולה ביותר, אפילו על הקס"ד דענין מוזר שכזה.
ב) כנראה שחל איזה אי הבנה בדעתי בהנוגע להשכון החדש בכפר חב"ד דעתה, שכנראה פירשוה שאין זה אלא בדירה לחוד, בה בשעה שכוונתי היתה שזהו הרחבת כפר חב"ד בענינו, אשר הנקודה הראשונה החקלאות, ובמילא למתיישבי השכון, דין קדימה לחקלאים וכו' וכמו שכתבתי במכתבי הקודם, שמזה מובן שהענין קשור גם בהקצבת חלקי אדמה, אם לחקלאות במובנה הפשוט, או לגן ירק, לול עכ"פ.
ג) בענין המקוה גם בזה תמוה, מה שלעתים תכופות ביותר מתחדשים קישוים בלתי צפוים כלל וכלל, שהרי כו"כ מקואות נבנו באה"ק ת"ו, ובודאי שנמצאים מומחים במקצוע זה, מומחים לא רק בשכל עיוני, אלא גם בהנוגע למעשה בפועל, ולמה לא מתייעצים עמהם. סו"ס בכדי לשלול ההפתעות האמורות, ובפרט שבענין המקוה התחלתי לכתוב לעורר עד"ז לפני כמה שנים, ועד עתה לא זכיתי שתהי' מקוה משופרת זו בפועל.
בכדי לשלול צעדים נוספים בענין שותפות עם מפלגה, נשלח המכתב מהיר דחוף.
בברכת הצלחה לביסוס והתפתחות כפר חב"ד מתאים לרצון מיסדה ומנהלו כ"ק מו"ח אדמו"ר ולבשו"ט בגו"ר.
מוסג"ב העתק מכתבי למר קורן שי'[1] ובטח ידונו ע"ד מה שהדגשתי בהעתקה זו.
ת"ח על שימסרו מכ' המוסג"פ לצאגו"ח אשר בכחב"ד בהקדם.
*) דימי ג', טו, כד, כט כסלו ח, טבת, מכ' מיו"ד טבת עם המוסג"ב. מסיבה לא נתאשרו ע"ע הפר"כ מז' וי"א אלול.
Kfar Chabad: Above Politics and Rooted in the Land
Source: Igros Kodesh, Vol. 16, Letter #6,028
Date: 1 Shevat 5718 (1958)
Recipient: The Leadership of Kfar Chabad
In this significant letter from Igros Kodesh, Volume 16, dated the first of Shevat 5718, the Rebbe addresses the leadership of Kfar Chabad in the Holy Land. The letter weaves together firm guidance, clear boundaries, and a far-reaching vision for the spiritual and practical development of the village.
I. Chabad Is Non-Partisan
The Rebbe opens with a clear and uncompromising directive regarding the identity of Chabad. While acknowledging reports received from late Kislev and early Teves, he quickly turns to an urgent concern: a proposal that Kfar Chabad—or its housing projects—enter into an arrangement with a political party. The Rebbe’s response is unequivocal: Chabad stands above partisan politics. He explains that any alliance with a political party, regardless of how well-intentioned it may appear, runs counter to the path established by our leaders, the Rebbeim. Chabad’s mission is to spread the wellsprings of Chassidus to all—including those on the “outside.” Identifying with a particular party would confine Chabad to a corner, alienating those who do not share that affiliation and undermining its universal mission. The Rebbe therefore calls for no involvement or connection whatsoever with partisan political frameworks.
II. More Than Just a Neighborhood
The Rebbe then clarifies his vision for the expansion of Kfar Chabad, particularly regarding the new shikun (neighborhood). He expresses concern that the leadership may be viewing the expansion merely as additional housing. Instead, the Rebbe emphasizes that the development must encompass the full life of the village—especially agriculture (chakla’ut). He envisions land designated for farming, vegetable gardens, and even chicken coops, enabling residents not only to live there but also to earn their livelihood from the land itself. He stresses that those settling in the new neighborhood should have priority in developing these agricultural opportunities. Kfar Chabad, in the Rebbe’s vision, is not merely a residential area, but a living, productive Chassidic settlement.
III. The Mikvah: No More Excuses
Turning to the construction of the mikvah, the Rebbe expresses both surprise and frustration over the continued delays. He questions why new obstacles keep arising. The Rebbe notes that many mikvaos have already been built throughout Eretz Yisrael and that experienced experts are readily available. He urges the leadership to consult knowledgeable professionals who can resolve any technical or design challenges. The Rebbe reminds them that he has been encouraging the completion of this mikvah for several years, yet it remains unfinished. His message is firm and unmistakable: stop delaying, involve the right people, and complete this sacred task without further excuses.
IV. Making Space for Everyone
The Rebbe refers to an earlier letter he sent to Mr. Koren (Letter #6,018), who had visited Kfar Chabad and was deeply inspired by its farbrengens. At the same time, Mr. Koren observed that the village felt crowded, lacking sufficient space to accommodate all those who wished to participate. The Rebbe takes this observation seriously and uses it to reinforce the need for expansion. If people are drawn to drink from the wellsprings of Chassidus, Kfar Chabad must be prepared to welcome them with adequate space and infrastructure.
Conclusion and Blessings
The Rebbe concludes with a heartfelt blessing for success in the continued establishment and development of Kfar Chabad. He expresses the hope that the village will truly reflect the vision and desire of its founder, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (the Rayatz), who continues to guide and inspire. The letter closes with blessings for good news—both spiritual and material—for the entire community.
Summary of the Rebbe’s Directives
• Maintain Independence: Keep Chabad strictly non-partisan so its message can reach every Jew.
• Productive Expansion: Develop new neighborhoods that support agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.
• Urgency in Holiness: Complete the mikvah promptly by engaging qualified experts.
• Visionary Growth: Expand Kfar Chabad to accommodate the growing number of people seeking Chassidic inspiration.
B"H, 1 Shevat, 5718. Brooklyn.
To the leadership of Kfar Chabad in our Holy Land, may it be built and established by our righteous Moshiach, may Hashem be upon them and grant them life.
Shalom u'Vrachah!
In response to your letters and the attached reports:
a) It is absolutely clear and self-evident that there is no place whatsoever for the idea of a village or cooperative housing with a political party—even the best one—for this is completely and utterly contrary to the conduct of our Rebbeim. The essence of Chabad is above politics, with its inner purpose being to spread the wellsprings even to the outside. Certainly for those not already within, any party—whichever it may be—interferes with the core work and its branches. It is extremely astonishing even to consider such a strange idea.
b) It seems there has been some misunderstanding regarding my view about the new neighborhood in Kfar Chabad at present. Apparently it was interpreted as if this concerns only housing alone, whereas my intention was that this is an expansion of Kfar Chabad in its essence—the first point being agriculture. Therefore, settlers in the new neighborhood should have priority if they are farmers, etc., as I wrote in my previous letter. From this it is understood that this matter also involves allocating plots of land—whether for agriculture in its simple sense or at least for a vegetable garden or chicken coop.
c) Regarding the mikvah: Again it is surprising that so often unexpected difficulties arise when many mikvaos have already been built in Eretz Yisrael. Surely there are experts in this field—not only theoretical but also practical ones—so why not consult with them? Ultimately, to prevent such surprises (especially since I began urging about this several years ago), until now I have not merited seeing this improved mikvah completed.
To prevent further steps regarding partnership with a political party, this letter was sent urgently.
With blessings for success in establishing and developing Kfar Chabad according to the will of its founder and director, my revered father-in-law the Rebbe, and with good news both spiritually and materially.
Enclosed is a copy of my letter to Mr. Koren (Letter #6018), and surely you will discuss what I emphasized therein. Thank you for promptly delivering the enclosed letter to Tzach at Kfar Chabad.
Summary
The Rebbe teaches that Kfar Chabad must remain above politics to fulfill its universal mission. He urges practical development rooted in agriculture and calls for prompt action on communal needs like the mikvah by involving qualified experts.