7809 —שילוח ספרים, חשיבות ההתקשרות, ותפקיד המעמד

B"H, Sunday, 13 Sivan, 5707. Paris.

Kvod Haraha"g vaharaha"ch vavac"h iy"a num etc. Mehor"n sheyichyeh

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter: Thank you for confirming receipt of one package of Chassidus manuscripts and two packages of siddurim (in addition to what was sent via Harav R. B. sheyichyeh Garadetski). Still, it is surprising to me, since over time we have sent much more directly to your camp or addressed to soldiers and Prague.

Regarding what you write about sending several letters to Hamelach—so far not a single letter from them has been received.

Concerning sending books in the future—when I arrive in the United States I will try to arrange this as possible. However, one essential detail is missing in your letter: you do not specify how the shipment should be sent and to which address so that it will be received completely with minimal expense and promptly.

I intend to travel successfully to New York at the end of this week or the middle of next week, G‑d willing. Of course, I wish to clarify and arrange the matters entrusted as part of my work as much as depends on me before my departure.

One such matter is that of the maamad (even though naturally my involvement is such that it is not known outwardly since "shatnaz legasaz"). Although I have asked and investigated what has been done about this in your camp and among Anash camps under its influence, I do not know anything definite: whether there are individuals or a committee regularly involved with this; whether it is done on a monthly basis; whether they are aware that the situation is pressing; etc., etc.

I said here at a farbrengen with Anash and temimim that hiskashrus must be with all possible strength. First and foremost, among Chabad chassidim—as its name implies—one must connect through Chabad: simply put, by learning maamarim of our Rebbeim. Since the intent of saying these maamarim is to draw down Chabad into middos and change one's character traits through them, this necessitates connection by following his ways and instructions regarding middos and practical mitzvos.

But all this relates—so to speak—to particular faculties or at least revealed faculties; thus if there remains doubt about which path one is being led on, there remains uncertainty about where one's inner essence is truly connected. The solution for this is only through maamad as explained in Tanya chapter 34, Iggeres HaKodesh section 4, etc.

This applies even in normal times—and how much more so now when connection through Chabad-Chagat-Nehi has suffered due to difficult times, distance, and even interruption of written communication for many years; therefore connection via maamad must be with greater strength than ever.

I have been brief here on these points because I trust brevity will suffice—and mainly because I hope they do not need any reminder on this matter—not even regarding preference or alacrity—for their zeal stands forever etc.

I conclude with regards to all who inquire after my welfare and wishes for all good things materially and spiritually.

Summary

The Rebbe stresses clear communication for communal needs like shipping seforim but above all highlights that true hiskashrus comes from learning Chassidus and supporting maamad—the communal fund—which deepens inner connection especially during challenging periods.