8953 —מנהיגות מקומית יעילה ופעולה קהילתית במוסדות חב"ד

Shalom u'Vrachah!

[Adar 5725]

I have answered several times (to the writer and to others who asked similarly)—nonetheless, I will write again:

1) It is obvious that it is possible, and within the power of Anash residing in your city, to accomplish much there—certainly more so than all those groups and circles that have recently opened many yeshivot, Talmud Torahs, synagogues, etc., even though they lack the charm and support from various offices available for Chabad matters, as well as the connections that can be obtained (or already exist), and so on. Most importantly: they also lack the unique blessing of our Rebbeim for Chabad matters.

2) It is obvious there is no place to send generals from here.

3) It is obvious there is no place to send teachers and school principals from here—and there is no need for this either—since, as mentioned above, such people can be found locally.

4) It is obvious that what was mentioned above requires organized work; then there are no limits to possible expansion (examples from the actions of individuals: Reb Baruch, Reb Barel Tzvi Salomon in Beerot Yitzchak, Zilberstrom there, Wolf in Lod, Chafer in Kfar Chabad, Eidelkopf there, and others). As above—they did not wait to be appointed repeatedly or for "pushes," etc.

5) It is obvious that when there is a lack of action—even if it is cloaked in piety or Chassidus—the results are as clearly seen... the situation... overall (hundreds of Chabad families living there until recently—many Chabad synagogues, Anash rabbis, etc.), and more.

6) There is no place for appointments from overseas; it would also be ineffective—because when someone wants to act for others (not just his own livelihood), he does not need an appointment. And one who does not want to act has plenty of ready excuses to continue his approach—as he has done until now—even though it is well known and publicized that this approach directly contradicts clear instructions from our Rebbeim.

7) Advice and instructions like those you write about are clear in every area according to its nature—based on how others acted in parallel areas last year and two years ago—and in several matters: how each person acts when it concerns his own material and personal livelihood.

8) It is clear that if there were closeness of hearts and unity among Chabad members—the success would be many times greater in these matters. But even now—with the current situation—there remains a broad field for successful activities.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that effective leadership comes from within the local community. Organized effort by dedicated members brings greater success than relying on external appointments. Unity among community members multiplies their achievements in all communal endeavors.