6717 —עצמאות כפר חב"ד, שיוך, וחשיבות לימוד חסידות

B"H, 11 Adar I, 5719.

Brooklyn, NY.

Mr. Yitzchak Kaufman.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 16th of Shevat and the previous one, in which you write that you heard Kfar Chabad is connected with a certain movement and ask if this is true. I am surprised by this question, since everyone knows in Eretz HaKodesh as well as abroad that neither Kfar Chabad nor the Chabad approach is connected with any movement or party and is not subject to influence except for the directives of our holy Torah, the Torah of life—both its revealed and chassidic aspects.

It is true, as you write, that Kfar Chabad receives assistance from various sources; however, it has always been on the clear condition—understood even more so in recent years beyond what is explicitly stated—that such assistance does not affect the village's independence in managing all its affairs according to the Chabad approach established about two hundred years ago—that is, before any of the movements you mention in your letter were founded.

I was pleased to read in your letter that you are observing Kfar Chabad and are happy about its development. This gives me hope that this joy and attitude will lead to practical action and support for Kfar Chabad in all its matters as much as possible for you and anyone you can influence.

Certainly for someone like yourself it is unnecessary to repeat again what is self-evident: there should be no compromise regarding the Chabad-Lubavitch approach—a path that unites two extremes: zealotry regarding foreign worldviews opposed to Torah and religion on one hand, and drawing close with love to every single Jew as an individual on the other. One does not negate the other; on the contrary—the point of Ahavas Yisrael unites them both.

On this occasion—and following your signature "with blessings for Torah and its service," especially according to our Sages' explanation regarding service within Torah (which refers to prayer—the service of the heart: love and awe of G‑d and their branches)—I wish to arouse you (and through you those whom you influence) about the great necessity—especially in our era of unparalleled confusion—to set aside times for studying the inner dimension of Torah. Such study directly leads to love and awe of G‑d. This is also hinted at by our great teacher Rambam at the beginning of Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah chapter 2: "And how does one come to love Him and fear Him? When a person contemplates...and sees His wisdom...he will desire greatly to know this great Name," etc.—which is precisely what Chassidus Chabad teaches and aims for.

It is understood that writing about this necessity in a letter cannot do it justice; but there is no need for further explanation since these matters are clarified in many places—even though for various reasons (not discussed here) there are circles where this necessity has yet to be accepted despite what is ruled in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 98:1—that at least three times daily a person must contemplate G‑d's greatness.

With honor and blessings for good news in all mentioned above. Due to many preoccupations my response was delayed; please accept my apology.

Summary

Kfar Chabad remains independent from any political or ideological movement, guided solely by Torah and chassidic teachings. The Rebbe encourages active support for its growth and emphasizes regular study of Chassidus as essential for cultivating true love and awe of G‑d amid contemporary confusion.