8513 —קיום מצוות מעשיות, אחריות כלפי יהודים מעבר למסך הברזל

B"H, 11 Elul, 5722.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavch iy"a num oseik b'tzt"z baal middot terumiyot anaf etz avot etc. HaRashaz

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge receipt of your two letters with their enclosures, the report, as well as the regards delivered by Rabbi Mordechai Kirshblum. Many thanks for all of this.

As is the way and custom of Bnei Yisrael to comment on every matter—how much more so regarding such a topic—I express my strong hope that following the aforementioned report, immediate conclusions will be drawn, at least concerning our fellow Jews on this side of the Iron Curtain. First and foremost are our brethren in the Land upon which "the eyes of Hashem your G‑d are always upon it from the beginning of the year to its end," and who look to us for support, as you wrote in conveying regards: our brethren behind the Curtain mention it at every opportunity and long for news from there.

As emphasized in the report regarding signs of vitality among our eternal people Israel and its existence—that these are specifically practical mitzvot—beginning with something beyond reason and understanding: brit milah, which is performed and sealed in flesh (not just in the soul), specifically on the flesh of a tender eight-day-old infant (and according to Midrash and Rambam's explanation—Midrash Rabbah Rafei Vav; Moreh Nevuchim II:49—even before then there was room for this mitzvah, but Torah said to first strengthen the health of the tender one being circumcised). The immediate conclusion is to be a help to our brethren who are in distress and captivity—a help that no barrier or boundary can prevent—which is strengthening practical mitzvah observance by each person on this side. This should be done openly and proudly, stemming from recognition that "He chose us and sanctified us with His commandments," as opposed to secrecy or pressure leading to spiritual depression connected with mitzvah observance on the other side of the Curtain.

It is obvious that I understand this idea will not be particularly "popular," especially given recent moods in public opinion in Eretz HaKodesh. But lack of popularity does not detract at all from its truth or necessity.

I also know there may be an argument that this is everyone's responsibility—not just a particular institution or party or type of person—and this claim is entirely correct. But it is also clear that according to each person's (or institution's) ability and possibilities, so too grows his responsibility and mission in fulfilling his role.

I once heard from my father-in-law, my revered teacher: "A chassid is clever and does not put off until tomorrow what he can accomplish today." In our case we have been assured that "no one will be cast away," as Yechezkel says: "It shall not be... if not by a strong hand I will rule over you."

By the way—related to what was said above—our brethren love novelty; how much more so a surprising innovation! Recently we see that some emissaries from Eretz HaKodesh sent abroad were instructed to observe Shabbat, kashrut etc., since they are viewed as representatives of our holy land; but when they return from abroad they are released from these instructions!

Certainly you will not take offense at what I wrote above; nor will I lengthen further where much could have been said at length—for with you there is no need for elaboration.

It is very distressing that nothing has yet been done practically regarding construction matters etc., even though a committee was long ago chosen with you as chairman. However, you write reasons for this in your letter; we do not cry over the past. May it be G‑d's will that at least from now on things progress at maximum speed appropriate to necessity and urgency.

As we find ourselves in Elul—the month of mercy—may it be G‑d's will that you receive good news about your relatives there (about whom you wrote in your letter dated 18 Menachem Av), visible good.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that practical mitzvah observance strengthens Jewish continuity everywhere—even under oppression—and each person's responsibility grows with their capacity. Immediate action helps those in need most effectively when done openly and proudly despite challenges or lack of popularity.