8446 —עידוד לזריזות בפעולה בקליטת נוער ועדכונים קהילתיים

B"H, 25 Sivan, 5722.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"m oseik b'tzt"z anaf etz avot ba'al middot terumiyot etc. Maharshaz Shazar

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hope that by the time you receive this letter you have already returned from your trip, and certainly you will not withhold the good by informing me how you found your family members in particular, and your extended family—Anash and Acheinu Bnei Yisrael—in general. Surely it is unnecessary to stress that in such matters, the more details one provides the better; thank you in advance, with added gratitude.

Last night I was visited by Mr. Shragai, and naturally among the main points of our conversation was the issue of new immigrants—especially regarding the memorandum sent from here some time ago and its proposal that providing absorption centers and housing for young immigrants be included in the housing budget rather than at the expense of the education budget, as explained in that memorandum.

To my pleasant surprise I learned that at a meeting of the Agency a special committee was appointed to discuss this matter, with you as chairman of this committee. This means that beyond your positive influence regarding the committee's discussion and decisions, it is also within your power to expedite and advance this matter as much as necessary.

I believe I have already written to you in one of my letters about the great virtue of alacrity (zerizut), as emphasized by our master the Alter Rebbe in Iggeret HaKodesh section 21 regarding Akeidat Yitzchak—which is mentioned several times in our prayers and even in sermons by preachers—and these are his words: "And Avraham Avinu's alacrity stands for us and our children forever; for the Akeidah itself was not considered such a great trial relative to Avraham Avinu's level..." He further explains that alacrity demonstrates joy and desire to fulfill one's Creator's will and bring satisfaction to one's Maker.

In our case, it is also relevant what the Alter Rebbe continues there about the greatness of alacrity especially regarding acts of tzedakah (charity), which surpass all others—that it is good for us even in this world to hasten it as much as possible. For proper absorption of youth and young people is tzedakah in its most comprehensive and inner sense—a constant charity both for life in this world and in the World to Come.

Even though all this is surely known to you, we are nonetheless commanded "to urge those who are already diligent."

In recent days I heard news that Askan Petschersky and his colleagues were released from prison and returned home; unfortunately I have not yet received further confirmation of this report. May it be verified soon.

With honor and blessing for good tidings,
M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that swift action—especially regarding communal responsibilities like youth absorption—is a sign of joy in fulfilling G‑d’s will. Detailed communication strengthens community ties, while zeal elevates both practical outcomes and spiritual merit.