8398 —העדפת צרכים דחופים של יהודים ומצוות העליה לארץ ישראל

B"H, 9 Nissan, 5722.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from Wednesday and its enclosure regarding a mitzvah which you describe as "a burning question in the heart of every Jew faithful to G‑d and His Torah." Although I believe I do not know you personally, you are surely aware of the state of the place and country in which you reside—regarding faithfulness to G‑d and His Torah, where there is much abandonment, etc., etc. Is it truly your opinion that the mitzvah about which you write is the burning question in a place where most of our people live? And even in other places and countries—even in our holy land, may it be rebuilt and established by Moshiach Tzidkeinu—are you aware of the percentage of intermarriage (G‑d forbid)? Do you know the situation regarding education in purity for Jewish boys and girls? The situation regarding Shabbat observance or its public desecration, etc., etc.? [Not to mention matters not so public.] It seems obvious that every Jew faithful to G‑d and His Torah should act accordingly—and as our Sages say (Kesubos 67a), to correct all the above-mentioned matters, which according to all opinions are from the Torah and are fundamental principles of our faith. Upon these matters depends, according to all opinions, the redemption of Israel from this bitter exile—a double and compounded exile.

Our Sages said that the yetzer hara is a craftsman (Shabbos 105b), so he does not begin by telling someone to serve idolatry; rather he tells him to do something else—as my father-in-law, the Rebbe, Nasi Yisrael said: The beginning is that he agrees with a person's ways so that he will listen to his enticement. Since we are speaking about someone who studies Torah and wants to be faithful to G‑d and His Torah, he tells him that he agrees with everything mentioned above but presents him with other matters for him to occupy himself with according to his own path—so long as he does not pay attention to what are truly burning questions. Ultimately—as Torah teaches at first when fire breaks out and finds thorns (it only burns thorns at first but afterwards consumes stacks or standing grain)—there is no need to elaborate on distressing matters or panic.

It is clear that my intention in all of the above is not moralizing but rather—perhaps my few lines will awaken you—to use all your abilities and also influence wherever your reach extends so others will use their strengths—to repair what needs fixing among Jews both outside Eretz Yisrael and within it regarding all these matters.

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above and for a kosher and joyous Pesach.

Regarding your conclusion about intending to leave these countries—it is already well known what is thought about fleeing from one's post (the battle for Judaism in a place where one has lived for some time) so long as "I have saved myself." Have you already done everything possible here for strengthening Judaism? And "the poor of your city come first"—according to all opinions?!

Regarding what was enclosed with your letter: With apologies—there is confusion between different topics. The debate is: Is there nowadays a mitzvah (from the Torah) to move from outside Eretz Yisrael into it—or not? Or even more so: Does Chazal's prohibition against "ascending as a wall" apply here—that one who moves from Bavel into Eretz Yisrael transgresses a positive commandment? This has nothing to do with kissing its stones or with "Lo Sechanem," nor with prohibitions on leaving Eretz Yisrael once there. That Jews outside Eretz Yisrael must not cause destruction within it—even nowadays—is no proof at all that they are obligated to move there.

Regarding this mitzvah: See also above Igros Kodesh letter #8RNaCH and its notes. As my father-in-law said: See Sefer HaMaamarim 5689 p.124; Likkutei Sichos vol.18 p.296; etc. Regarding "the poor of your city come first": Bava Metzia 71a. For this debate: See also Likkutei Sichos vol.2 p.619ff; vol.18 p.399ff; etc.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that while making Aliyah has significance, urgent communal needs such as combating assimilation, strengthening Jewish education, and Shabbat observance must take priority wherever one lives. One should use their abilities locally before considering relocation.