8592 —העברת המת מאשכנז לארץ ישראל ולימודים בחוץ לארץ

B"H, 17 Shevat, 5723. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 9th of Shevat, which I received; in it you ask about transferring from Ashkenaz to Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt and established). In general, it is known that in such questions one should turn to a rabbinic authority who rules on halachah. It seems that there is a clear ruling on this matter and the custom is to transfer to Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt and established), especially since in those years Ashkenaz was viewed as a temporary and transitory place.

We conclude with good news, as there is strong hope that you are involved in spreading the wellsprings outward as much as possible and even more so (for the Jewish people have the ability to change reality, especially if this is done as a mission of Torah and mitzvos), fitting with the hope and instruction of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe—about whom we have come to know since his passing—his yahrzeit is on the 10th of Shevat—and this year is an auspicious year: the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the passing of the Alter Rebbe.

You wrote regarding your son's trip... may he live—to travel abroad to study. Seemingly this is not understood at all, for there are Tomchei Temimim yeshivas in Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt and established) where students succeed etc., so what is the point of uprooting from Eretz HaKodesh (may it be rebuilt and established) to go abroad?

With blessing for good news in all mentioned above.

Summary

The Rebbe advises consulting a halachic authority regarding transferring remains to Eretz Yisrael and encourages utilizing local yeshivas for study rather than sending students abroad when suitable options exist at home.