6549 —עידוד לדרישות תורה ללא פשרות ולהנהגה אמיתית

B"H, 10th of Marcheshvan, 5719. Brooklyn.

The Rabbi and Gaon, the esteemed Chassid, a G‑d-fearing man, honored and elevated, engaged in the needs of the community, our teacher Rabbi Chaim, may he live.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

We acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 8th of Cheshvan with the enclosed donation from Mrs. Sarah Liyaf, may she live, for Torah institutions. It seems from your letter that this is a continuation of Rabbi Teleshovsky's visit, so it was given to the institution he represents.

In any case, as our Sages say (Bava Kama 92b), "the wine belongs to the owner and the thanks to the pourer," and may it be G‑d's will that you increase in such activities.

May it also be G‑d's will that other rabbis in the United States see this example and act similarly when they recognize their true role: bringing members of their communities closer to actual observance of Torah and mitzvos. All other matters (such as sermons, visits to community members, etc.) are only secondary and a means to fulfill this main task.

And it is well known that when it comes to communal matters, even a hair's breadth deviation in direction multiplies many times over when it affects tens or hundreds of people.

It has already been clearly seen in the United States that when one demands from community members and their families Torah and mitzvos without compromise—a complete and perfect Torah—not only are they not put off by this, but on the contrary, they are happy to be told the full truth. Even those who are not fully ready to accept such demands are nevertheless impressed by them; as a result, at least part of the demand is fulfilled. This itself creates an opening for further increases over time. This is unlike approaching things with compromises from the outset. This point was also the theme of my general letter for last Rosh Hashanah, a copy of which is enclosed here and will surely interest you.

With honor and blessing.

P.S.

See Sefer HaMitzvos of the Tzemach Tzedek on the mitzvah of milah at the end of chapter 3 regarding "the wine belongs to the owner and thanks to the pourer," which applies specifically to a person alone who has free choice—unlike others—teaching us how great this matter is according to Chassidus: true free choice belongs only to the Jewish people, of whom it is said, "You are children to Hashem your G‑d" (Devarim 14:1)—for that is the place of wholly free choice, without any hindrance or obstacle whatsoever, G‑d forbid, since that is the true existence; which is not so with the rest of created beings, angels included, etc.

Rabbi Chaim: Davidovitz, Denver.

Without compromise: See also, earlier, vol. 17, letter 6280, and what is cited there in the notes.

Applies specifically… one who possesses free choice: See also, earlier, vol. 11, letter 3572, and what is cited there in the notes.

Only in the Jewish people: See also, earlier, letter 6539, and what is cited there in the notes.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that unwavering expectations in Torah observance inspire respect and growth within communities. True leadership means guiding others toward uncompromising fulfillment of mitzvos, recognizing that only Jews possess genuine free choice essential for their Divine mission.