6085 —שמירת העצמאות הרוחנית של כפר חב"ד ויוזמות מקומיות

B"H, 3 Adar, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Vaad Kfar Chabad, in Eretz HaKodesh may it be rebuilt and established, may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your telegram in which you write that there is a rumor about opening a meat processing plant and that it would be worthwhile to try to have it opened in Kfar Chabad, even though at present no details are known. In any case, my opinion is that this matter would be under the authority of others regarding kashrus and so on, and as you write, this is a factory—meaning production on a large scale—and certainly unless they act with extra stringency, merely announcing that it is in Kfar Chabad will serve as a certification (especially if someone from Kfar Chabad will be among the workers there etc.), and not at every moment will protests help (even if all the details are known etc.). For the reasons mentioned, this matter is not worthwhile at all, even if there were no other concerns. Also regarding the future in such matters, it should be known that the village must guard its independence as much as possible. Opening a factory by outsiders within Kfar Chabad will certainly serve as a channel for outside influences etc., and this should be understood.

Incidentally regarding the above proposal, they surely know that usually it also affects health matters because of the remnants in the meat etc.

On this occasion I wish to once again emphasize what I have written many times to individuals and groups among Anash that it is most necessary to organize and create an artel (cooperative) from among the villagers themselves. There are many benefits in this both materially and spiritually, even though it obviously requires wholehearted cooperation; on the other hand, even for this reason alone it is worthwhile to do so. This matter becomes even more important since we are now in the sixth year before Shemitah, and it is very surprising that at meetings of the village council this issue does not seem to be discussed.

Further to the above I do not know what is practiced in Eretz HaKodesh during Shemitah regarding bread etc., and perhaps there is room for baking matzah in such a way that it will remain guarded for the entire year, although of course this requires special machines and packaging methods etc.

With blessing for good news.

P.S. The reports from 14th and 22nd Shevat have been received.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Kfar Chabad must safeguard its spiritual autonomy by avoiding external influences through independent local initiatives. Organizing community cooperatives brings both material and spiritual benefits—especially crucial before Shemitah—and strengthens communal unity.