10782 —קריאת שמות לפרסומים, פעולות ארגון אקדמאים, וזהירות בהקמת עיר דתית

B"H, 22 Iyar, 5733.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n involved in public needs Mr. Yirmiyah (called Prof.) Branover

Shalom u'Vrachah!

[Russian] [Free translation] Since it is much easier for the secretariat here to write in Lashon HaKodesh than in Russian, and taking into account that you know Lashon HaKodesh, I will continue writing in Lashon HaKodesh. However, I emphasize that you should continue to write in Russian for now for the same reason—that it is still easier for you to write in Russian than in Lashon HaKodesh.

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from Rosh Chodesh Iyar, along with the booklet "Min HaMa'amakim." Thank you very much. With apologies, it is unfortunate that it was called "Min HaMa'amakim," which is not the language of the verse or the usual form "MiMa'amakim" (and it seems to me that I saw somewhere that it was originally called "MiMa'amakim"). It is even more unfortunate because surely people connect this change with the Latin translation "De Profundis," which is two separate words—meaning not only did they not choose the language of the verse but seemingly gave precedence to Latin over, G‑d forbid, Lashon HaKodesh. Even from a scientific point of view, "De Profundis" is only a translation from the original "MiMa'amakim." And although this may seem minor and insignificant, one cannot always assess what is small and what is not so small or even important. Of course I know there is no point crying over the past; my intention is to correct this for future editions when a second edition is printed.

By the way, I just received the Intercom (Iyar) booklet from the local Orthodox Academics Organization here which contains this article in English.

Regarding your letter—thank you very much for the good news about several activities of your Academic Organization in your community. May it be G‑d's will that immediately and without delay there be fulfilled for you and all participants in these activities what our Sages said: "He who has one hundred desires two hundred; two hundred desires four hundred." If this applies to material matters, how much more so regarding spiritual matters—especially spreading true Judaism: our Torah and mitzvos which are our life and length of days.

In my opinion—as we have discussed several times—great alacrity is required here at least regarding registration and initial correspondence with all those whom there is hope will eventually join the Academic Organization. My intent is that even if for some of them there isn't yet a clear plan how to influence them etc., it is necessary that immediately upon their arrival in our Holy Land these academics be informed about this organization—its address—and receive promotional material at least briefly along with an invitation to register as an ordinary member without any prior commitment as we discussed here. The benefit of this is clear—it creates a connection and informs all new arrivals that there exists a religious organization they can join as members etc.

Continuing on topics that are urgent due to time constraints: This also applies to matters related to Shavuos—the upcoming festival of Matan Torah—which is especially appropriate for encouraging setting times for Torah study and speaking about its value and importance; how Torah provides guidance even practically in daily life nowadays everywhere—especially in our Holy Land. Even if there isn't enough time before Shavuos to do everything needed on these matters, there remains an opportunity afterwards by introducing it as something prompted by just having come from Matan Torah—thus arousing interest etc.

Regarding what I told you about paying a secretary's salary for a full year—you should notify here from time to time about payment dates and amounts etc.—in addition to this, connected with the above-mentioned Torah campaign an additional sum of $500 has been allocated from here which will be provided when needed. You should consult among yourselves how best to use this sum—whether through emissaries or publicity materials such as pamphlets or circular letters etc.

As for your question about whom to involve in working with the Academic Organization—it goes without saying that decisions should be made on site after speaking with candidates etc.

Certainly also in our Holy Land during summer months students (even those attending summer courses) have more free time than during regular semesters; this also applies to students among new immigrants. Therefore perhaps it's worthwhile exploring ways to utilize this time for purposes and programs of your Academic Organization.

Regarding what you wrote following our discussion about founding a city in Eretz Yisrael whose entire life would be based on Torah and mitzvah—and explaining that it would be a city of academics—it must be stressed even when merely discussing such things not to arouse fear or suspicion among certain offices who might think Chabad or your organization intends building such a city; otherwise they may refuse any help at all due to strong opposition toward such a religious city. As can be seen even regarding Bnei Brak where various means are sought out to change its conduct up until now. Furthermore—in general—it seems Eretz Yisrael isn't yet ready for such an academic city since concentrating academics together as most residents could lead to friction and sharp disagreements regarding city management etc., since all are academics—all wise men etc. Also regarding their influence on their surroundings: success comes more when living together with students or ordinary people—the living example of religious academics makes a strong impression on them unlike one academic's example upon another academic. There are further details not favorable toward such an academic-city plan for this purpose.

You did not mention anything about your health or your family's health—I hope all is well.

As we approach Shavuos—the upcoming festival of Matan Torah—for us and all Israel for good and blessing—I send you, your family, and all those attached my traditional blessing: May you receive the Torah with joy and inwardness.

Blessings for success and good news.

I am enclosing a copy of my letter to another scientist—I hope its content will interest you as well. Of course you are permitted to use it however will bring benefit.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches careful attention both in details like naming publications according to Torah sources and in broader organizational strategy—encouraging proactive outreach while exercising caution when proposing ambitious projects like founding new religious cities.