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David Aryeh Bart was a supporter and contributor to the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s educational initiatives in North Africa, as evidenced by the Rebbe’s letter acknowledging his assistance and involvement in this holy work.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe addressed David Aryeh Bart in a letter dated 22 Iyar, 5711 (1951), expressing gratitude for his financial contribution to the Chabad educational efforts in Africa. The Rebbe enclosed a receipt for Bart’s donation and emphasized the timeliness and importance of his support, noting that the educational work in North Africa had significantly expanded and required further resources to continue its growth.
The Rebbe described the challenging conditions in North Africa, highlighting years of neglect in Jewish education due to widespread poverty and a lack of active community leaders. He detailed the progress made through the establishment of various institutions: yeshivos, smaller yeshivos, Talmud Torahs for both boys and girls, evening courses for workers, and a teachers’ seminary to train local youth. The Rebbe stressed that the program aimed to establish such institutions in every city and town, and that this work also involved providing material assistance like food and clothing, necessitating significant funding.
The Rebbe characterized participation in this endeavor as a “great and rare merit,” connecting it to the vision and initiative of his father-in-law, the previous Rebbe, and encouraged both lovers of Torah and members of Anash to increase their support. He assured that such generosity would open channels for blessing and success, both materially and spiritually.
In his letter, the Rebbe also sent regards to Bart’s son, Zalman Yaakov, wishing him a safe return home, reflecting a warm and personal tone in his communication with the Bart family.