Kfar Safria-Chabad

כפר ספריא-חב"ד

Kfar Safria-Chabad (Chabad Agricultural Settlement in Israel)

Kfar Safria-Chabad refers to a Chabad-Lubavitch agricultural settlement in Israel, established for Chassidim—many of whom were refugees from Poland and Russia—seeking to build lives rooted in Torah, communal living, and agricultural work. The village's leadership and residents corresponded with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, on matters of communal development, spiritual guidance, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Correspondence with the Rebbe

The letters exchanged between the Rebbe and the leadership of Kfar Safria-Chabad reveal a deep concern for the settlement's stability, spiritual vitality, and material welfare. In a letter dated 20 Adar 5712 (1952), the Rebbe addresses the community's dilemma regarding a proposal from the Jewish Agency to relocate the entire village to a new site several kilometers away. The Rebbe strongly advises the community to do everything possible to remain at their current location, emphasizing the importance of continuity and the detrimental effects of repeated displacement. He notes that the Agency itself had originally settled them in their current place and that the community had already established essential connections and improvements there. The Rebbe urges the leadership to advocate firmly for their rights and to seek the support of influential figures such as Mr. Shazar, Mr. Gelman, and Mr. Shraga’i.

Should relocation become unavoidable, the Rebbe suggests establishing Chabad settlements in both the current and new locations, and encourages efforts to attract suitable new residents, both from among recent immigrants and veteran inhabitants, to strengthen the Chabad presence in both places. He also stresses the importance of unity and careful consideration for families whose livelihoods depend on proximity to urban centers like Tel Aviv.

In another letter (12 Sivan 5712), the Rebbe encourages a supporter to contribute funds toward building housing in Kfar Safria-Chabad or Lod, highlighting the needs of Chassidim who escaped from Europe and lack adequate dwellings for living, learning, and prayer. The Rebbe links material support for the village to spiritual success and communal growth.

Guidance in Times of Crisis

Following a tragic event in the community, the Rebbe sent a message (10 Shevat 5715) urging the residents to strengthen their faith in G-d and in the ongoing influence of the Rebbeim. He cites the ruling of the Alter Rebbe, Mitteler Rebbe, and Tzemach Tzedek that it is not proper to uproot one’s dwelling because of misfortune, assuring them that specifically in their place, G-d commands blessing and mercy. The Rebbe’s tone is one of encouragement, solidarity, and spiritual fortitude, urging the community to remain steadfast and united.

Shiurim in this topic
1461. Guidance for Kfar Chabad Relocation and Maintaining Community Unity הדרכה להעברת כפר חב"ד ושמירת אחדות הקהילה
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1631. Apartment Construction, Financial Decisions, and Supporting Refugees בניית דירות, החלטות כספיות, ותמיכה בפליטים
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3261. Strengthening Faith and Remaining in Kfar Chabad After a Tragic Event חיזוק האמונה והישארות בכפר חב"ד לאחר מאורע טרגי
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