6232 —שיטת חב"ד להנהגה, סדרי עדיפויות בקהילה, וצמיחה אישית

B"H, 9 Iyar, 5718. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 28th of Nissan, in which you write about the situation in our ninth camp regarding registration and the upcoming study period, especially concerning the possibility of opening a Chabad school there...

In general, you surely know the Chabad approach: their conduct is not based on fear. On the other hand, it is not their role to waste energy and strength fighting with politicians from any group when these same energies can be used for essential matters that are directly their responsibility. It is obvious that even in this matter—when our people have a choice between working in a place where their efforts will proceed without excessive interference and with double or more children, or choosing another place where there will be half or a third as many children and constant struggle—certainly your opinion too is that they should focus on the first option.

Additionally, since even a head of a ladder (a minor leader) is appointed from Heaven—and all the more so a rabbi and halachic authority in Israel—and since G‑d does not make unreasonable demands of His creations, it is certain that one is given from the outset the strength and ability to fulfill his true role: to instill awe of G‑d and love of G‑d; Torah study with awe of Heaven; and meticulous mitzvah observance among all local people. Our Sages tell us (Sanhedrin 37a) that even the troublemakers in Rabbi Zeira's neighborhood were his responsibility. It is well known that our master the Alter Rebbe said: "The one whom Heaven appoints as leader of a place is truly its owner regarding all matters there."

As you requested at the end of your letter—and everything follows its conclusion—I will mention you at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal. My strong hope is that this mention will lead to action—actual deeds regarding your community—and certainly for yourself: to continue rising higher in levels of being a chassid. By this I mean infusing chassidus—the light and vitality within it—into all aspects of Torah and mitzvah observance and into conduct described by "In all your ways know Him," which encompasses three lines:

Mili d'Nezikin (matters relating to damages—i.e., negative commandments), Mili d'Avos (the middle line—Torah study; our ancestors never ceased learning; furthermore, Torah study is uniquely an obligation for a father to educate his son by Torah law—see Hilchos Talmud Torah by our master the Alter Rebbe at chapter 1 beginning, and tzt"z's rulings on Rambam's Hilchos Talmud Torah), and Mili d'Berachos (and their continuations—the line of positive commandments: "do good," drawing down light and abundance into worlds including one's own soul—see Iggeres HaTeshuvah at chapter 1 beginning).

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above—and especially in making your place a dwelling for Him as explained in Chassidus: just as in earthly royalty the king resides fully in his home with his entire essence so too does G‑d desire His dwelling below.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true leadership means focusing on core responsibilities rather than distractions or conflicts. By dedicating oneself to spiritual growth through Torah study, mitzvos, and chassidus, one transforms both self and community into a dwelling place for G‑d.