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Mordechai Ritch is addressed in the Rebbe's correspondence as a dedicated individual actively involved in the establishment and support of Yeshivas Oholei Yosef Yitzchak Lubavitch in Melbourne, Australia. The letter recognizes his energetic participation in communal Torah education and his efforts to strengthen Jewish life in a growing community.
The Rebbe’s letter to Mordechai Ritch is warm and encouraging, expressing satisfaction at Ritch’s involvement in the affairs of the Lubavitcher yeshiva in Melbourne. The Rebbe emphasizes the critical importance of establishing strong Torah centers, especially in new and developing Jewish communities. He underscores that in contemporary times, the role of a cheder or yeshiva is not only to produce learned individuals but to ensure that Jewish children retain their identity as Jews. The Rebbe stresses that one cannot rely solely on the surrounding environment for this purpose; rather, dedicated educational institutions are essential.
Addressing a practical question from Ritch regarding the composition of the yeshiva’s finance committee, the Rebbe advises that the selection should be based on the character and abilities of each candidate. He cautions against introducing political or partisan considerations into the administration of Torah institutions, highlighting that the success of Lubavitcher institutions has always stemmed from their non-partisan nature. The Rebbe encourages Ritch to maximize his influence and efforts for the benefit of the yeshiva, invoking the teaching of the Sages: “Whoever sustains one Jewish soul is as if he sustained an entire world.”