9066 —שמועות על בחירות הכפר וחשיבות ההנחיה הכתובה

B"H, Fifth Night of Chanukah, 5726.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I have received strange and unusual reports about things being said in my name regarding the elections for the village committee, etc. At first I said not to pay any attention to all this, since I have said and warned many times not to rely at all on what is said in my name regarding Kfar Chabad. If I wish to express my opinion, I can do so in writing and directly. Especially concerning matters that affect the public—and when various private matters are mixed in—it is often difficult to find someone who is not involved in any of these matters and therefore not biased.

Nevertheless, since recently I have been flooded with letters from many people—obviously with contradictory reports, each one relying specifically on me as if this is my will and decision and there is no other way—I am writing once again (and I hope this notice will suffice for future times) to repeat what was stated above: do not rely at all on oral reports. Whatever I wish to communicate will be sent in writing. No one has any authority to say in my name that the residents of the village or the committee should act in one way or another—except for explicit instructions that come in writing with my signature.

In line with this content, this letter is being sent urgently and directly to the Rav Mara D'Asra so he can deliver and publicize it appropriately with the authority of Mara D'Asra.

As we are now in the days of Chanukah—whose mitzvah is to increase light day by day—not only within one's own four cubits but specifically at the entrance of one's house facing outward, into the public domain (not just into a courtyard)—so too may the light of Chassidus and its teachings bequeathed by our Rebbeim illuminate the path of every resident of the village within the broader community of chassidim. Let them see clearly that the true path is only "the King's road," illuminated by "the light of Torah," which is Chassidus—whose foundations are love of G‑d, love of Torah, and love of Israel. As a result, hearts will draw closer until everyone unites as one and joins together in action—which is what counts most—in this case: strengthening and developing every aspect of the village both materially and spiritually.

Regarding current needs—both individual building projects and communal ones—this goal requires bringing hearts together; obviously there should be no stirring up division or disputes or upheaval but rather strengthening all matters through increased cooperation among all active forces in Kfar Chabad. Certainly those who have acted until now will continue to act and consult appropriately with those suitable for such consultation (even if until now such consultation was not fully as it should have been). Clearly anyone able to help advise or act for the good of the village should not be swayed by petty calculations or false honor or other temptations [whose source is impure and therefore has no place among Jews generally or chassidim especially]. Especially during Chanukah—whose theme includes eradicating negative influences—and leading up to redemption from constraints regarding Kfar Chabad's affairs in a manner of peace: "For many were with me."

With blessings for an illuminating Chanukah that increases ever more light—and that this illumination extend throughout the entire year: "A mitzvah candle and Torah light," with "the inner dimension of Torah," which is Chassidus.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that only written guidance should be trusted regarding communal decisions; rumors must be disregarded. He stresses unity, cooperation, and spreading spiritual light—especially during Chanukah—for both material and spiritual growth.