9586 —אחדות והנהגה בבית הכנסת צ"צ שבעיר העתיקה

B"H, 13 MarCheshvan, 5729.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n involved in tzt"z etc. Moshe Tzvi HaLevi

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Your letter has just been received as an addition to Mr. Bir's previous letter, and the response to the above is enclosed. Certainly, if further explanation is needed, you will find suitable words for this.

Your letter regarding Chevron was received some time ago. It is somewhat surprising because being present there, you surely know of the doubts and debates concerning Chevron from those who determine how matters proceed there. Unfortunately and to our shame—at least for now—those who lean left outnumber those who lean right and believe, etc. You are surely also aware of the restrictions placed on those who dared to settle in Chevron. There is no need to elaborate on this distressing matter even briefly.

It is especially painful that there is division of hearts regarding matters of the Tzt"z synagogue in the Old City. I hope you will do everything possible—not only to reduce division but also to eliminate it once and for all—based on the point that this synagogue is not like other synagogues, nor even like other synagogues in your community. Rather, it represents all Anash synagogues wherever they are found, both in your community and abroad.

From this it is clear and obvious that management must be in the hands of representatives of Anash everywhere, as is also true according to revealed law regarding a synagogue belonging to Jews everywhere. This was also why I appointed not private individuals but Anash institutions from your community as well as Kfar Chabad (except for Haraha"ch etc. Harav Aharon Paris z"l since elections cannot be held among Aguch, Otzach, Nshei U'Bnos Chabad; I chose replacements by estimation). It is also obvious that first and foremost it is up to the aforementioned management elected by these institutions to determine synagogue customs, gabbaim (wardens), etc., etc.

It is astonishing that there should be any doubt about this matter or any reasoning to diminish the importance of this synagogue or make it subject to those who come to pray there on Shabbat or weekdays or holidays.

It is clear that after considering all this, certainly even those worshippers mentioned above—with eager souls and true desire—will cooperate with the management out of acceptance of its authority with joy and gladness of heart. The will of Hashem will succeed through them to expand the synagogue both quantitatively and qualitatively together—as I wrote previously regarding this synagogue.

May it be G‑d's will that you succeed and be blessed with good news in all these matters speedily—a true good that benefits both Heaven and people together as our Sages ruled (Kiddushin 40a). And at the first opportunity may everyone together hold a fitting chassidic gathering for this purpose, fulfilling what our Alter Rebbe said about such gatherings: 'What a chassidic farbrengen can accomplish even Michael the angel cannot accomplish,' with a wonderful parable (see Kuntres Michtavim at end of Sefer Tehillim Ohel YY Hashalem p. 723 [5723]).

Blessings,
M. Schneersohn

P.S. It is surprising that you wrote that the telegram did not reach you directly since it was addressed correctly: Jerusalem Old City Chabad Street.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that unity among Anash institutions and proper communal leadership are essential for spiritual growth and harmony in sacred spaces like the Tzt"z synagogue; personal interests must yield to collective responsibility for lasting success.