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Rabbi Zalman Shimon Dworkin was a prominent Chabad rabbi and communal leader, notably active in the early to mid-20th century. He corresponded with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, on matters of communal Torah study, personal milestones, and the preservation of Chabad history and memory.
The letters from the Rebbe to Rabbi Zalman Shimon reflect a warm and respectful relationship, with the Rebbe addressing him with honorifics and blessings. In one letter, the Rebbe expresses pleasure upon hearing that Rabbi Zalman Shimon and his group had established daily public study sessions in the Shulchan Aruch of the Alter Rebbe, and encourages them to also hold daily public study of Chassidus, not just on Shabbos. The Rebbe emphasizes the importance of consistent communal Torah learning and requests that insights and teachings be shared with the entire group, even enclosing a segment from a recent farbrengen for distribution. The Rebbe also sends blessings for a good inscription and sealing for the new year, and asks about the status of certain memoirs from the 1920s.
In another letter, the Rebbe congratulates Rabbi Zalman Shimon on the upcoming wedding of his protégé, offering heartfelt blessings that the couple build a home in Israel founded on Torah and mitzvos as explained in Chassidus, and be blessed with upright generations. The Rebbe also expresses interest and encouragement regarding Rabbi Zalman Shimon’s intention to record his memories from his time in Rostov (1920–1926). The Rebbe stresses the importance of documenting these recollections in detail, citing the guidance of previous Chabad Rebbes about the value of preserving stories with all their context for the sake of memory, especially in an era where forgetfulness is prevalent.
The Rebbe’s correspondence with Rabbi Zalman Shimon centers on several key themes: the value of daily communal Torah and Chassidus study, the importance of sharing Torah teachings within the community, and the preservation of Chabad history through detailed memoirs. The tone is encouraging, instructive, and deeply respectful, reflecting the Rebbe’s appreciation for Rabbi Zalman Shimon’s leadership and his commitment to strengthening Jewish life and memory.