7533 —ניצול הזדמנויות להפצת חסידות והדרכת הקהילה

B"H, 6 Teves, 5721.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the sixth candle: At an auspicious time, you will be mentioned at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzukal lehe nbagm zya, in accordance with the content of your letter.

b) The wonder and surprise at your writing is understood: according to the arrangement, you were supposed to lecture within your work framework every two weeks, but you requested and were released from this so that it is only once a month. The reasons for this surprise are clear—especially in our times when the emphasis is on spreading the wellsprings outward, particularly to people of the type mentioned. As you yourself wrote, this is a unique and singular opportunity. According to the demand of the hour, one must seek out and create such opportunities. When Divine Providence arranges such an opportunity for you and hands it to you ready-made, yet you see it as a matter of toil (maternis), etc., this is actually a supreme kindness—one that can be tangibly seen with physical eyes. It is understood that all of the above is not meant as rebuke but rather regarding future conduct. May it be G‑d's will that He will be with your mouth and guide your listeners on the straight path—the path of Judaism: Torah and mitzvos illuminated with chassidic light and vitality. In this too—may you act as described above—with true joy and broad-mindedness; as it says: 'Ve'eshalcha b'rechava' ("I will walk in broad spaces"), which also increases success in these matters.

c) Although it is naturally distressing that there was not a full measure of farbrengen on the bright day—the auspicious day of Yud-Tes Kislev, Rosh Hashanah for learning Chassidus and its ways—nonetheless it is known and fitting with what is known: there is nothing in the world without a mixture of good and bad; from bitterness comes sweetness. In the end, you recognized how necessary your participation in these matters is—and through this your self-confidence will increase. That is: confidence that fulfilling our Rebbeim's mission succeeds if only one wishes to act upon it. As is known from the ruling in the Heavenly Court: because of Rabbeinu HaZaken's mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice) for Chassidus, they ruled Above that in all matters of Torah, fear of Heaven, and good character traits—the hand of his followers would prevail (printed in Sefer Kitzurim v'He'aros l'Tanya at the end of page 122). Here too, this is not meant as a cry about the past but rather regarding future conduct.

d) Regarding your writing about founding a Chabad institution in your location now—it appears that the place is not yet suitable for this. Even from your description of the place and its people this can be discerned. Therefore, one could say that establishing such an institution prematurely could have an undesirable effect on existing Chabad activities there—especially spreading the wellsprings.

e) Regarding a Chabad synagogue—you must clarify whether it would not be connected to disputes or similar issues; if there is any doubt about this, then the rule is "sit and do nothing is preferable." Especially since logically one could say that when there isn't a dedicated Chabad synagogue, one should promote Chabad matters in every synagogue; whereas if there were a specific building designated for these things etc., people might say otherwise. Particularly since it's questionable whether it's worthwhile to divide things among different locations.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches us to embrace opportunities for spreading Chassidus even when they seem difficult or unexpected. He advises careful consideration before establishing new institutions or making changes that affect communal unity—and always to act with joy and clarity.