10291 —הדרכה לועדות חב"ד בירושלים על ניהול וכספים

B"H, 20 Kislev, 5732.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

To the committee of the administration of the Beit HaKnesset and Beit Midrash Tzach Tzedek in Jerusalem surrounded by a wall, and to the committee of Kollel Chabad in the holy community there and all its branches, and to the committee of Chabad educational institutions in Jerusalem the holy city—may Hashem be upon them for life—many greetings and blessings!

Since several points below are common to all three aforementioned committees, this letter is also written in such a manner.

In response to your letters and reports received: (a) The proposal to add Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n Rav Poalim etc. Yehoshua Yozevitz as a member of the Beit HaKnesset and Beit Midrash committee is correct. (b) The proposal to improve the external appearance of the Beit HaKnesset etc. is also correct; obviously promptness is praiseworthy here—better sooner than later. (c) The proposal to respond positively to the request of the distinguished activist Haray D. Weiss to build an Ark for the Torah scrolls in said Beit HaKnesset is also correct—provided it is as he stated: spacious and beautiful, which was also my condition for agreeing to his proposal when he spoke with me about it. (d) On a related matter requiring special promptness: this concerns the area surrounding the Beit HaKnesset and Beit Midrash—including shops in the courtyard—and most importantly regarding Chabad housing nearby, as discussed many times: their absolute connection to Chabad is essential.

(e) It is very surprising that despite being relayed by phone—apparently more than once—that first and foremost it is upon the committees, especially Kollel Chabad's committee and that of educational institutions, to clarify past expenditures (obviously via an expert), since this is an essential foundation for securing their future—yet until now no information has been received about this. I mean not only that there isn't an account as mentioned but even no information that someone was hired to investigate and prepare such an account—for past expenses. Clearly a vague statement about total debts or budget amounts does not suffice at all; how can one know these matters without examining accounts?

(f) It is also clear that there is no point sending here documents or receipts from those receiving support etc.; on the contrary—by doing so you eliminate any possibility of properly preparing an accurate account for past expenses as required—which must be as precise and detailed as possible (and therefore must not be done by committee members themselves—especially since they lack time—but by a hired professional whose specialty this is). As above: better sooner than later.

(g) Since until mid-Sukkot matters proceeded as in previous years—that is, after more than a month into the school year—it follows that reviewing past accounts will also provide guidance regarding this year's budget, which should correspond with how this school year began—especially since over a month had already passed.

(h) From all this it is also clear why there was surprise here at your urgent message reporting debts exceeding 50,000 lira needing immediate attention etc.—why did this suddenly become urgent when things had proceeded for over a month without alarm or panic telegrams?

(i) Regarding donor address lists not held by the educational institutions committee: it is well known there are no secrets here—only wasteful spending; I mean people buy lists for money. If each of us must support Chabad institutions, how much more so should Kollel Chabad's committee and Torat Emet's committee avoid wasting money on behalf of Chabad educational institutions by giving them copies of their address lists (with appropriate warning not to harm those who provided them). Our sages z"l have assured us: "Israel are asked—and they give."

(j) Regarding office space for the educational institutions committee: if there is no other option it would be worthwhile to allocate them a room within Torat Emet's office or Kollel's office—as decided among committee members.

(k) Obviously I approve your decision regarding who signs documents etc., including checks—as you decided. The merit of the many will help you direct both writing and signing according to our Rebbeim's wishes and hopes; this itself gives you strength and blessing—to do all these things with proper health, joy, gladness of heart—and always increasing light.

With blessings for great success in all mentioned above; awaiting good news regarding these matters.

Summary

The Rebbe urges transparent financial management, unity among committees, prompt action on communal needs, sharing resources wisely, and making decisions aligned with chassidic values—all with joy and increasing light.