6371 —פעולות צעירי אגודת חב"ד, אולמות שנויים במחלוקת, ומנהגי תפלה נכונים

B"H, 7th of Tammuz, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letters from the 24th and 25th of Sivan. I was pleased to read at least the main points about the activities of Tzeirei Agudas Chabad branch ... and I am sure further updates will be received. May it be G‑d's will that their content will be for true good—good for Heaven and good for people.

The letter to students from the 15th of Sivan 5711 should be published in an appropriate manner since its content is suitable for every year and there is no need for a new letter.

Regarding what you wrote about Chabad using a hall that is under dispute and there is concern about public reaction: it is not understood why one would use this hall—what compels them to enter into doubt, especially in these months when the atmosphere is particularly tense.

At an auspicious time I will mention the students and all those you write about at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal nishmaso Eden (may his merit protect us), each one for what he needs according to your letter's content.

I was astonished to read at the end of your letter where you say "Veshamru..." which is contrary to the custom of Anash for generations. It is clear that your reasoning here does not suffice at all to explain conduct opposite from our Rebbeim who instructed their students and followers otherwise. After asking forgiveness, I must say that even according to Nigleh this conduct is alarming based on our Sages' guidance regarding student-teacher conduct (Sukkah 32b: Rav Acha son of Rava would seek out... since it came from his mouth...), and regarding what you wrote about lack of proximity anyway in the synagogue where you pray—there is room to say* that if one contemplates matters of redemption or prayer in between, this nullifies the lack of proximity [note also the well-known debate**, whether proximity must be literal or not], whereas if one enters a completely new topic—not related to redemption or prayer—it is different.

At an auspicious time I will mention both of you at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal nishmaso Eden (may his merit protect us), for whatever you need. Certainly there is no reason whatsoever to worry G‑d forbid—even a little bit—about nervousness. Especially considering all the detailed explanations given in a way understandable even by human intellect regarding Hashgachah Pratis (Divine Providence) from Hashem Yisbarach Who is absolute goodness—the entire possibility for worry falls away.

It would be good if—in addition to what you surely already do by keeping the custom of Jewish women giving charity before lighting candles on Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov—you would also do so every weekday morning until Rosh Hashanah. Of course this should be without making a vow.

Blessings for good news in all the above and with blessings for Chag HaGeulah.

Summary

The Rebbe guides on communal activities, cautions against actions that may cause public discord, clarifies proper prayer customs rooted in tradition and halachah, encourages reliance on Divine Providence rather than anxiety, and suggests additional acts of charity as spiritual preparation.