7218 —פרויקט שיכון חב"ד בירושלים וטקס הנחת אבן הפנה

B"H, 9 Adar, 5720.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

To the Chabad Housing Committee in Jerusalem, may it be rebuilt and established speedily in our days by our righteous Moshiach—may Hashem be upon them for life—much peace and blessing!

With pleasantness and joy I received the news about "the laying of the foundation stone of the Chabad housing project that will be established, with G‑d's help, in Jerusalem," may it be built soon. May it be His will that the laying of the stone take place at an auspicious and successful time, and that through Chabad this housing will be built, established, completed, and all its matters fulfilled soon at a good and successful hour.

A housing project—may it be G‑d's will from Builder of Jerusalem—that every home there will be a great house as understood by all our Sages: a house where Torah is raised up, where prayer is raised up; one who lives and uses it is great because "for him... this Torah whose beginning is kindness and whose end is kindness." Homes founded, built, and conducted according to the teachings of Chabad chassidus—which is itself the teaching of the Baal Shem Tov of blessed memory (this year marks two hundred years since his passing)—and in each of them and in all of the housing collectively may it be fulfilled: "V'Shachanti B'Socham" (And I will dwell among them), within each individual. As explained by Rabbeinu HaZaken (the Alter Rebbe), He dwells and clothes Himself within each person to enliven and sustain him and all that is his.

May it be His will that, in accordance with the desire of our Rebbeim Nesi'im, this Chabad housing project should become a place from which "the wellsprings spread forth" throughout its surroundings and beyond—in a manner of ongoing expansion—until the prophecy is fulfilled: that Jerusalem will spread over all Eretz Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael over the entire world.

With blessings for success in all mentioned above, and regards to all participants—may they live long—in laying the foundation stone for Chabad housing.

P.S. Regarding how to lay the foundation stone: marking this beginning has a basis in many places in our Torah of Life; moreover, even in Hallel and thanksgiving to Hashem for His eternal kindness to Israel. In the words of Zohar (III 50a): when one begins to build he should mention verbally that he builds for service of Hakadosh Baruch Hu... then heavenly assistance rests upon him; Hakadosh Baruch Hu brings sanctity upon him and calls upon him peace.

According to our Sages: "And you shall walk in His ways"—just as He... And Hakadosh Baruch Hu looked into Torah and created the world—the beginning was with Even Shesiyah (foundation stone) from which everything was founded—it is understood and obvious that before laying the stone words of Torah should be spoken; specifically words relating to home-building—a significant portion found in Chabad discourses on "Mizmor Shir Chanukas HaBayis." The act itself—according to our Sages who say that "the world exists only through the breath of children," breath without sin—it is proper that children perform this act (see Hilchos Talmud Torah by Admor HaZaken ch.1 halacha 3).

Also according to Scripture: "So says Hashem Elokim: Behold I lay in Zion a stone—a tried stone—a precious cornerstone—a sure foundation"—it is fitting that specifically a stone from Heaven serve as foundation (even though afterwards one can add cement etc., things made by man). This also fits spiritually—the start and foundation of every structure or matter is empowerment from Above—a spiritual awakening from Above.

Additionally: I have heard there are those who at such ceremonies write about it on a scroll—and some are particular it should be written in Ashuri script—and place this scroll on or under the foundation stone. Besides Rambam's well-known response regarding sanctity of Ashuri script etc., however it may be written—it is especially important nowadays not to introduce new customs unless they have a solid basis in our Torah. As our Sages say: anyone who adds here detracts from belovedness and importance of accepted Jewish customs—which are themselves Torah.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that building homes—and communities—should follow Torah tradition without unnecessary innovation. Foundation ceremonies should include words of Torah relevant to home-building; children’s involvement brings special merit; customs must have authentic roots.