8383 —בניית מרכזי נוער, הדגשת תורה בשליחויות הסוכנות, ואחדות פורים

B"H, 8 Adar Sheni, 5722.

Brooklyn, NY.

Haravach vavac"h iy"a num"m oseik b'tzt"z ba'al middot terumiyot anaf etz avot etc. Maharshaz

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In continuation to the memorandum I sent you—which you surely received on time—and with the hope that you are doing all that depends on you: In recent days Mr. Moshe has visited me, and naturally I spoke with him about the main point of the memorandum regarding buildings serving as dormitories for absorbing immigrant youth. The funding should come entirely from the housing budget and not from the education budget, as I explained in the memorandum. Mr. Sarret said he sees the logic and reasoning in this matter, and since it is based on sound reasoning he will bring it up for discussion at the first opportunity. It was also discussed that he would advocate for it positively. Of course, I emphasized as well that no party or factional considerations should play any role in deciding where these buildings will be established; rather, only the opinion of parents and the origin of the children should be decisive—without pressure—and that's sufficient to understand. Mr. Sarret also promised this point, adding that in any case this is already how it is.

It would have been appropriate to elaborate on this vital matter further; however, I am certain you are among those who act swiftly in such matters, so let it be considered as if I have elaborated.

During our conversation we touched upon another point—one I've discussed at various times with other public activists from Eretz HaKodesh—which truly pertains to your area of activity. Surely you will forgive me for expressing my opinion so decisively. The matter concerns agency emissaries sent abroad for cultural activities: In this area there are two types—general culture department and Torah culture department.

We have seen clearly that propaganda by the general culture department has weakened significantly in recent years compared to its early days. There is a natural reason: In earlier years there was much novelty in this propaganda; its impact was greater; there was room to make noise about defending borders, pioneering spirit, building up the land etc., as you know I always emphasize continuing influence on youth. However, in recent years—with security improved thank G‑d and pioneering spirit somewhat diminished—a lot of novelty has lost its appeal; as a result, its influence has weakened considerably. This directly affects assimilation and intermarriage among youth—may G‑d protect us.

This is not so regarding activities of emissaries from the Torah culture department: Their role throughout has been like a shield against assimilation and loss of identity—their effectiveness has not diminished but rather increased.

In light of all this—even though I cannot express an opinion about increasing the number of Torah culture emissaries (since this depends on budget)—I offer a practical suggestion (as I did to Mr. Sarret): It would be proper to require all emissaries—regardless of department—to place emphasis on Torah and its matters. As our Sages say: "Gadol Talmud shemeivi lidei maaseh" (Great is study for it leads to action), which applies even to those who do not yet intend to immigrate to Eretz HaKodesh or lack pioneering spirit; but there is a vital need to strengthen their status as Jews wherever they are—not assimilating or blending among nations around them. This is not just theoretical—it requires that a Jew's way of life be visibly distinct from those among whom he lives.

I do not mean that emissaries themselves must personally adopt this outlook in their own conduct (for there is already movement and demand in Eretz HaKodesh requiring them to behave according to Jewish tradition). Rather my intention is that this program should enter into their field of activity and advocacy.

I also added: Beyond all these reasons—it is also a case of "yesh b'klal matayim maneh" (the whole includes its parts). That is: Not only will emphasizing Torah not diminish their influence—on the contrary—it gives them an additional line and area for advocacy beyond what they already have—and that's clear enough.

The way of a Jew is always to connect everything with the weekly parsha or current time—as our Alter Rebbe said: "A Yid must live with the times." If so—that's also a point relevant now with approaching Purim: Before the miracle there was division between those who enjoyed Achashverosh's feast and those who stood with Mordechai—but when external pressure came (Haman's decree to destroy all Jews young and old), without distinction except being called 'Jew', immediately all Jews united with self-sacrifice. As our Alter Rebbe says (Torah Or 97a): They gave up their lives for sanctification of G‑d's Name—for had they wished to convert Haman would have done nothing; his decree was only against Jews—but they gave themselves over all year long without even considering otherwise—and through self-sacrifice merited complete acceptance so that Infinite Light truly entered them.

May it be G‑d's will that we too merit such a level—and its light, joy, gladness and honor.

With respect and blessing—for good news and joyous tidings—and a happy Purim.
M. Schneersohn

What I emphasized above regarding natural weakening of propaganda—I do not mind at all if people attribute it instead to supernatural causes; rather—as we approach the end of exile and coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu when "the earth shall be filled with knowledge of G‑d," we already begin sensing footsteps of redemption—as I've heard even from you—even though exile's darkness still covers earth.

We conclude with good—that we merit very soon for darkness to turn into light by G‑d's revealed light—for "the L‑rd shall be your everlasting light," etc.

Summary

The Rebbe urges practical steps for supporting Jewish youth identity through Torah emphasis in communal outreach while highlighting unity inspired by Purim’s message of self-sacrifice—a unity essential both then and now as we approach redemption.