10358 —התפקיד הייחודי והאחריות של בני הנוער הישראלים בחו"ל

B"H, 24 Adar, 5732.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

It was with pleasure that I received your letter from 21/2/72 and the telegram received earlier (in addition to the report I received from Rabbi Yosef Weinberg after his visit with you and the gathering together with you and his impressions, etc.). I was pleased to see in your letter your serious attitude toward Jewish values and your sincere effort to advance in all these matters. In continuation of this come the following lines:

It is well known how important youth have always been as an active force with special energy, not inclined to compromise or afraid of challenges, striving for real achievements—qualities in which young people especially excel. As we have seen throughout Jewish history in general, and especially in the Book of Instruction for all Jewish men and women in their life journey—meaning our Torah, a Torah of life (guidance for daily living), and a Torah of truth. If these things apply everywhere and at all times, how much more so in our era filled with confusion and blurred values—to the point that some say, in the language of Scripture: "to light they call darkness and to darkness light."

Therefore, especially those who come from our Holy Land to the Diaspora—and whether willingly or not serve as examples of Israeli life and culture—their merit and along with it their responsibility is many times greater.

Based on the above it is also understood that if regarding every good and holy matter we are assured that the Creator of the world assists every good endeavor, good word, even a good thought—how much more so in these areas which involve a kind of sanctification of the name of Eretz Yisrael, sanctification of the name of Am Yisrael, and above all sanctification of the name of Torah Yisrael.

Based on the saying "they only urge those who are already eager," it should be added that as is customary in our world every good thing or endeavor comes with difficulties requiring one to overcome obstacles and delays. But when considering the greatness of this matter—especially regarding our topic which has ramifications at the site itself, influences Jewish youth in your city and country, even impacts Jewish youth everywhere including Eretz Yisrael—what is any effort required to overcome obstacles compared to its importance?

It is clear there is much more to elaborate on this topic but surely what is written here will suffice to increase enthusiasm, initiative, and activity in this area.

May it be G‑d's will that you do all this with vitality and enthusiasm—both qualities unique to youth—and fulfill "one who has one hundred desires two hundred; achieves two hundred desires four hundred" (and does not settle for just an additional measure). That is: initial achievements should awaken even greater desire and energy for further progress. And we are assured: "You labored and you found."

With honor and blessings for great success in all these matters—and for good news.

Summary

Youth possess unique energy and influence; when Israeli students abroad embrace their role as examples of Jewish life with enthusiasm despite challenges, they can inspire others globally. The Rebbe urges them to channel their vigor into ever-increasing positive action for Torah values.