9521 —דחיפות בשיקום בית הכנסת צ"צ בירושלים ופיקוח כספי

B"H, Days of Redemption, 12th–13th of Tammuz, 5728.

Brooklyn, NY.

— Committee — Administration — of the Tzt"z Synagogue — in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Holy City – may it be rebuilt and established by our righteous Moshiach soon — may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It has already been a year and a month since the liberation of the Old City, where the synagogue established by the directive of Admor the Tzt"z is located. According to reports and information, it is apparently the only one remaining in a suitable state for both prayer and Torah study together—gates distinguished in Halachah. On the first opportunity I wrote that it must be repaired and improved as soon as possible with utmost alacrity so that it can be used for regular prayer as much as security allows, until it will be possible to pray there three times daily.

Since then, certain sums have been received from various sources to enable necessary repairs and improvements. Along with raising these funds and sending them was also my demand and strong hope that this would further accelerate action to improve both the synagogue and study hall mentioned above, as well as increase regular Torah study there—both revealed Torah and Chassidus—and especially from the teachings of Admor the Tzt"z.

To my greatest regret—and even greater astonishment—the reports received throughout this time regarding repairs to the synagogue and study hall and their progress have been both astonishing and distressing. There is no need to elaborate on this alarming matter—especially since members of the committee surely visit the Tzt"z synagogue from time to time and see its state firsthand. Of course there are no shortage of excuses—even claims of unavoidable circumstances (Rachmana patrei)—but it is clear that excuses will not bring salvation or restore the synagogue to its proper state. Even genuine unavoidable circumstances (Rachmana patrei) do not mean we should act as if nothing can be done; enough said.

Another point—though relatively minor compared to what was written above—is that while many Anash and Chabad institutions suffer deficits (deficit), which hinder their development, in contrast a significant sum remains in the synagogue’s fund for many months like an untouched stone; instead there are endless debates about who is at fault—which, as mentioned above, will not advance matters at all.

Another point—perhaps also minor but indicative of how things are being run—is that although it was decided there would be a special bank account for this matter into which all sums would go (with separate accounting for income/expenses), with two people chosen as authorized signatories (specifically both together), until now nothing has been heard about opening such an account or appointing two signatories. As for accounting: only one report was received—and even that unofficially—not according to standard practice, especially for such a public matter where accounts should be signed by committee members rather than relying on someone simply sending a report they trust.

A general point: In every Torah matter alacrity is essential—as stated by our master Baal HaTanya (the Alter Rebbe)—a halachic authority in both hidden and revealed Torah: everyone knows how important alacrity is for all mitzvos; our Sages repeatedly emphasize this trait—especially Avraham Avinu’s wondrous zeal showing his joy in fulfilling his Creator’s will (see Iggeres HaKodesh sec. 21). This applies particularly regarding restoring Admor Tzt"z’s synagogue in Jerusalem’s Old City: many eyes are watching its progress; people inquire about it; they learn lessons from its example for other matters. As I wrote previously: this synagogue belongs to all Anash worldwide; any progress here affects all Anash everywhere; from positive you can infer what needs correcting elsewhere.

The summary from all this: My suggestion is: a) Hold an urgent meeting of all committee members to investigate causes behind this alarming situation—and mainly strive immediately to remove those causes—and immediately adopt all plans mentioned above with extraordinary zeal showing their joy/desire to fulfill their Creator’s will—for certainly establishing/rebuilding Tzt"z’s synagogue/study hall in Jerusalem’s Old City is G‑d’s will. b) Quickly choose/appoint two signatories for checks—with ideally a third alternate so each check bears two out of three signatures. c) These two/three should each represent different sectors among the five making up your administration committee. d) Open a bank account under this committee—of course at a bank without interest concerns (i.e., with clear heter iska). e) Based on past experience I fear further delays before these steps are implemented; meanwhile several Chabad funds in Eretz HaKodesh need financial support. Therefore—from remaining sums after current repairs—thousands of lira should stay with the synagogue fund (to open said account); all other sums should immediately go to Chabad institutions receiving support per a separate list from secretariat—already deducted from their accounts. f) From now on funds will only be sent after receiving detailed past reports plus clear info on what further sums are needed—for what purpose/how much/etc. g) As emphasized repeatedly—in writing again here—the sole exclusive representative henceforth for Tzt"z Synagogue in Jerusalem’s Old City is your administration committee alone. h) To further clarify—even though obvious—all references above include not just Admor Tzt"z’s actual synagogue but also its courtyard/buildings etc.; everything follows what is primary so all included under “synagogue.”

Please confirm receipt of this letter promptly—and preferably urgently—as it was sent here for several obvious reasons. May it be G‑d’s will that soon you’ll have good news about progress toward completion! May Admor Tzt"z’s merit help each one succeed rapidly/joyfully in building/completing his synagogue.

With honor/blessings for good news regarding all above,
M. Schneersohn

P.S.: I’ve heard someone wants to organize a broad or limited fundraising campaign inviting anyone willing to donate toward repairs etc.; as I’ve said orally on various occasions—all expenses for establishing/completing this synagogue belong exclusively to those who study Tzt"z’s teachings/follow his ways—even if only somewhat—as well as public institutions/funds—but not private individuals who currently aren’t Anash but merely supporters/relatives; after completion things may change—but that remains to be seen.

Summary

This letter stresses urgency, transparency, and unity regarding restoring Jerusalem's historic Tzt"z Synagogue. The Rebbe calls for immediate action by leadership, proper financial oversight with designated signatories, and reminds us that communal projects require diligence benefiting Jews worldwide.