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Zalman Shimon Shimerling was a Chassid associated with the Lubavitch community and served on the staff of the Tomchei Temimim Yeshivah in Brunoy, France. He corresponded with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, regarding communal and personal matters, particularly relating to his involvement in Jewish outreach and communal service.
The correspondence between Zalman Shimon Shimerling and the Rebbe centers around a pivotal question regarding Shimerling’s potential journey to Dublin, Ireland. In his letter dated the 5th of Marcheshvan, 5711 (1950), the Rebbe responds to Shimerling’s inquiry about whether he should undertake this trip, given his responsibilities at the Tomchei Temimim Yeshivah in Brunoy and his uncertainty about making such a decision independently.
The Rebbe directs Shimerling to the guidance already provided by the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe (the Rebbe Rayatz), whose letter—quoted by Shimerling himself—explicitly encourages the journey to Ireland in connection with organizing Jewish communal needs, particularly with Rabbi Binyamin Gorodetzky and a group of ritual slaughterers (shochtim). The Rebbe emphasizes that this letter contains a clear directive, removing any doubt about the proper course of action.
Furthermore, the Rebbe blesses Shimerling with success in his journey and all his endeavors, both materially and spiritually. He also encourages Shimerling and his companions to view their mission not merely as a means of material livelihood but as an opportunity to spread Chassidic teachings and positively influence the Jewish communities in Ireland and beyond.
The tone of the Rebbe’s letter is supportive and encouraging, highlighting the importance of seeking guidance from the teachings and letters of previous Rebbes. The Rebbe frames the journey as a dual opportunity: fulfilling practical communal needs and advancing the spiritual mission of disseminating Torah and Chassidus. He urges Shimerling and his colleagues to align their intentions with this higher purpose, assuring them that such alignment will also fulfill their inner spiritual desires.