8149 —אחדות, אחריות כספית, ושמירת הצביון החקלאי של כפר חב"ד

B"H, 3rd of Nissan, 5718. Brooklyn.

Vaad Kfar Chabad, may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 28th of Shevat and from the 10th, 12th, and 19th of Adar. I await truly good news—meaning good for Heaven and good for people—as our Sages instruct (Kiddushin 40a). It is clear that it is very distressing that apparently the division of hearts is not decreasing but rather increasing.

It is surprising what you wrote about the lack of support for the expenses of the gatherings; surely there is some misunderstanding here. It is understood that since you discussed a loan and your request was fulfilled, you must take it and use it in a good and beneficial way appropriate to the purpose for which it was discussed. For if for any reason you withdraw from taking the loan, there is concern that this will close the door to similar requests in the future.

I have written several times—and I repeat it again now—that it is absolutely necessary that Kfar Chabad not lose its character as an agricultural settlement. Although it is also clear and simple that this does not mean exclusive control by those involved in agriculture over all other matters in the village. There is ample room for mutual benefit between agriculture and all other areas. Moreover, as I have written many times—the ruling from Mishnah: one mitzvah leads to another mitzvah; through bringing hearts together and cooperation, every additional matter in one area brings benefit to all areas of the village. Even with physical eyes we see what the Mishnah says: peace is a vessel that holds G‑d's blessing.

Regarding the question whether to place money designated for housing under the authority and treasury of Vaad Kfar Chabad—in consideration of the current situation where resources are not abundant—there is a great concern that there will be strong temptation to borrow from these funds for other communal needs. Especially since there are those who might permit this by saying: after all, housing keeps getting postponed from day to day, week to week, month to month; what difference if it's delayed further so funds can be used for other needs which also must be met... Particularly since there was a public announcement about housing—including publicly and in front of several representatives from government offices on Yud-Tes Kislev last year—and until now it seems there has not even been any real progress toward its realization.

Regarding a loan for water crops and other matters mentioned in your letter—it should be clear from my above perspective that every loan should be accepted. If there is concern—as you write—that no one suitable can be found for this work, then accept the funds temporarily and return them—even before due—so as not to give an impression that loans are requested but not used.

With blessings for success in establishing and developing Kfar Chabad in all its areas—both materially and spiritually—with true broad-mindedness; and wishes for a kosher and joyous Pesach with revealed good.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that unity brings blessing to communal life. He urges responsible handling of communal funds, warns against misusing designated resources, stresses preserving Kfar Chabad’s agricultural identity while fostering cooperation among all sectors, and encourages progress with integrity.