7953 —הדרכה על מתנות חנוכה, משמעת, והגעה לקהילה

B"H, 25 Shevat, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z etc. Mehorash

Shalom u'Vrachah!

For the sake of order I hereby once again confirm receipt of your letters from Rosh Chodesh Teves, the 10th, 22nd, and 29th of Teves; the 7th, 10th, 16th and 20th of Shevat with their enclosures. Thank you for writing in detail as requested. The packages of books sent by you on Friday and the 15th of Teves were also received.

b) Regarding the distribution of Hanukkah money: It seems I have already written that it is not advisable to be stringent in this matter; that is, if there is even a doubt—give it, even if only for the sake of the future. Perhaps this itself will help bring them closer sooner.

c) Regarding what you wrote about work in villages and large towns: My opinion has long been that although one must work in villages because it literally saves from assimilation, nevertheless it is most important to educate teachers and guides from among the local people themselves—and on the other hand they should also be connected to and imbued with the spirit of Lubavitch until they can influence others as well. At most they will only need to refresh themselves from time to time (for which it would be appropriate—during school vacation—to arrange for them special studies focused on their environment and educational matters). In addition to the studies themselves—this will also serve as a means for bringing them closer in understanding; perhaps it is worthwhile to give prizes to those who excel in this. It seems to me that vacation times are Nissan, Tishrei, and mid-summer. Certainly you will inform me about this.

d) Regarding what you wrote about rumors concerning forbidden matters punishable by stoning (G‑d forbid), for which there is an opinion to use corporal punishment: It is obvious that within yeshiva walls this is completely out of place. Besides the fact that rebuke through hitting is more negative than positive, certainly both the punishment—and especially its reason—will become known among parents and even more so among students; then there is concern that even those unaware of the matter will become interested. It is known regarding the sin of eating from the Tree of Knowledge that knowledge itself brings internal consequences etc. One should seek other forms of punishment such as distancing from school for a period or entirely; or as mentioned in talks by my father-in-law the Rebbe—not allowing them to be present during stories about tzaddikim or similar matters they desire. Above all—additional supervision over students should be implemented; hopefully this will gradually reduce and ultimately eliminate the issue.

e) Certainly you will update me regarding developments concerning Otzar HaTorah etc., over the time since your last letter.

f) I have already pointed out regarding seeking ways so that it will be possible to publish from time to time in newspapers appearing in your country about Chabad in general and their activities locally in particular. In French there is no concern at all—since they understand it. Even in Arabic—you can surely find someone trustworthy who can attest that any translation matches your intent.

g) Regarding prayer books: It seems I have already written that it is worthwhile to give them to Alliance—in a manner appropriate so it not be interpreted as agreement with their approach.

h) In your letter from 7 Shevat you do not write details about your health. Surely by now upon receiving this letter you are better. Needless to say one must follow doctors' instructions. It is well known Maimonides' ruling that bodily health and wholeness are part of serving Hashem. The same applies for Avrech Yonatan ben Miriam HaLevi—about whom a pidyon nefesh was also included. Surely you will share good news about him as well.

i) I was very pleased by what you wrote—that one of the teachers at Ohalei Yosef Yitzchak announced they would check tefillin and mezuzos and corrected an issue. How good if others would take interest in this too! It would be worthwhile for you to speak with Haraha"g v'Haraha"ch etc., Harabag regarding a special budget for this purpose—the expense and effort are justified by its importance; additionally it certainly impacts education as well. On a related note—it would be worthwhile to inquire about local customs regarding Pesach especially concerning shmurah matzah; apparently last year some were given shmurah matzah too. If there is no difference between westerners (Ashkenazim) and easterners (Sephardim), perhaps it would be good as a gift for those leading Ohalei Yosef Yitzchak who have begun adopting Chabad customs—to give shmurah matzah at least for afikoman. Certainly here too speak with Haraha"g v'Haraha"ch etc., Moharabag...

j) I was very pleased that sending students out to synagogues was implemented; surely Hashem will grant success both in their influence on listeners and through speaking itself upon the students themselves.

k) I was especially happy at Rabbi N's arrival Pinson (surely this too will uplift his spirits)... May Hashem grant him frequent good news—regarding communal matters as well as his personal affairs.

l) I received word from Chicago that another ten packages of clothing were sent from there’s synagogue named after him; another ten are ready as well.

Blessings for success in your holy work and all other matters—and regards to all participants with you.

Summary

The Rebbe gives practical guidance on education methods, outreach priorities, communal involvement, health according to Torah principles, publicizing Chabad activities responsibly across languages, proper discipline approaches within yeshiva settings, attention to mitzvah observance details like tefillin checks and Passover customs—all emphasizing sensitivity and connection within community life.