9524 —על התוועדות בימי בין המצרים, ספריה חסידית, ועיכובי הדפסה

B"H, 19 Tammuz, 5728.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge receipt of your letter from the auspicious day of 13 Tammuz. As is customary among Anash to find hints and connect matters, it is a good sign that your letter was received after today's farbrengen. Although it may seem puzzling to have a farbrengen during Bein HaMetzarim, this year marks seventy-five years since the bar mitzvah of my revered father-in-law the Rebbe. In connection with this, the discourses that his father—the Rebbe Rashab—said at the bar mitzvah celebration and throughout the following week (the seven days of feasting) were published. These concluded on Sunday, 8 Tammuz—a postponed fast—so the farbrengen and meal for the seventh day took place on Monday, 19 Tammuz, as explained at the end of the booklet. This is why today's farbrengen was held—albeit briefly—to review the content of those bar mitzvah discourses relevant to today.

Upon returning from this farbrengen I found your letter dated 13 Tammuz—with two lines under "13 Tammuz." Therefore I hasten to reply and also enclose herewith the maamar "Tefillin d'Marei Alma – 5653," which contains several excerpts regarding the bar mitzvah.

Together with this I also received news today that the final volume of Shulchan Aruch HaRav has arrived at the bindery; when it returns from there two copies will be sent to you as requested.

May it be G‑d's will that our teacher's Torah—the Alter Rebbe's Tanya (the authority in Torah's hidden dimension) and Shulchan Aruch (the authority in Torah's revealed dimension)—illuminate our path and that of every Jew called by Israel's name: to walk his path in life as per the opening (and foundation for all observance) of Shulchan Aruch: "Bold as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, strong as a lion to do your Father's will in heaven."

I read with special interest your lines about establishing a Chassidic library in Kfar Chabad. Certainly you mean both content and location should match: it should be a true Chassidic library—not just about Chassidus—befitting Kfar Chabad's founding intent: living a Chassidic lifestyle daily.

Pardon me for writing at length; seemingly what am I adding? But regarding scientific-minded people: they need special self-restraint to forego scientific debate (and its trappings), even refraining entirely from presenting opponents' views just for refutation. While "know what to answer" is important, it's not for an open-access library—this isn't everyone's task. The goal is to open wide the gates of Chassidus for all: words of the living G‑d for living Jews cleaving to Hashem.

Even though ultimately there is no need to fear debate or conclusions—for we speak of Torah truth—true science and honest debate cannot disprove anything from our Torah of truth. Yet sometimes—especially nowadays—young troublemakers (lacking morals or honesty) parade under so-called scientific research but only seek to justify preconceived notions; their investigations are shaped by their desired conclusions.

If this applies even more so to platforms dedicated to scientific debate, how much more so regarding libraries and related matters! Of course in due time all Chassidic books published by Kehot will reach Kfar Chabad; it's surprising there should be any question about this.

Regarding your writing about our friend Rachamim Levi—I have spoken with him many times about these matters without result; simply put—the answer was negative.

The matter of the Tzemach Tzedek synagogue in Jerusalem's Old City is indeed very painful; over a year ago I began urging action both by letter and through travelers from here. Sadly progress has been minimal compared to what is needed.

About disagreements between certain individuals: when I first proposed forming a synagogue committee I was careful not to suggest individuals but institutions—since I see this synagogue as belonging to all chassidim of the tzt"z and their students; thus ownership rests with institutions aligned with tzt"z spirit—especially those connected with Kehot. (When I named one committee member it was only because gathering all Agudas Chabad members wasn't feasible.)

I also didn't want to name individuals for this committee since it's not proper from afar to decide who represents each institution; rather each institution should choose its own representatives. Afterwards roles can be divided among committee members. These reasons—and others—still apply now.

By the way: regarding that person you mention who supposedly needs a visit here for better relations—I have heard much good about him generally and especially regarding spreading Chassidus successfully among various groups with heartfelt words.

Recently I've written again urging action by the synagogue committee; may there be success!

Thank you for your good news about building homes in Kfar Chabad—including presumably also the hostel—even though it's odd you didn't mention it explicitly.

Thank you also for suggesting speaking with Mr. M. Yuvelir. The main issue now is that he should overlook past delays—even though almost all volumes of Encyclopedia HaChassidit have been printed except about eight final pages which await his review (which requires my exclusive focus)—hence repeated postponements. It would help if he would waive his right given all deadlines set by his committee have passed already.

You surely know too that all but this supplement has been printed—a sample copy was sent even if unbound—and similarly regarding "Shiv'at HaDorot" series (from Alter Rebbe through my revered father-in-law), where publication was delayed at printer despite being typeset and proofread once already; now it's ready for page layout—all that's left is my proofreading. Here too he should forgive missed deadlines so payments can proceed as if time conditions were met—for both Encyclopedia volumes and Shiv'at HaDorot series printing.

The delay wasn't due to negligence but rather efforts hoping things would be improved further before release.

Your letter covers many practical matters—but I found no response or hint regarding my mention last time of General A.S.; perhaps silence itself is an answer—as you wrote earlier some topics are best left unwritten so as not to entangle me—but since this affects future matters it's best clarified now. This too is practical—in scope embracing security both material and spiritual worldwide!

In closing—as at opening—with something I heard from my revered father-in-law: both when he was born and at his bar mitzvah year both fasts—the seventeenth of Tammuz and ninth of Av—were postponed: may it be G‑d's will that since they are postponed they be nullified entirely through true redemption—that they become days of joy soon! This year's calendar too postpones these fasts; may they soon turn into joy!

Summary

The Rebbe teaches us how every detail—even delays or challenges—can serve higher purposes when approached with perseverance and faithfulness to Torah values. He encourages transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth and spreading light through authentic Chassidic living.