Shragai, Shlomo Zalman — Mayor of Jerusalem, Mizrachi leader

שרגאי שלמה זלמן

Shlomo Zalman Shragai (1899–1995) — Religious Zionist leader, Mayor of Jerusalem

Shlomo Zalman Shragai was a leader of the religious Zionist movement (Mizrachi and Hapoel Hamizrachi). He served as the first mayor of Jerusalem after the founding of the State (1950–1952), and later headed the immigration department of the Jewish Agency. He came from a chassidic family and wrote extensively on religious and Zionist thought.

What the letters show

Shabbos on Israeli ships. Several letters concern the controversy over Israeli ships and organized sea voyages involving Shabbos desecration. The Rebbe urged him, as a communal leader, to protest firmly (IK 4531) and to ensure Shabbos observance on Israeli ships, noting that even advanced technology does not remove the problem (IK 4733, 6089).

Chassidus and Jewish life. The Rebbe thanked him for his articles and for his support of Kfar Chabad, and encouraged him to use his influence for Jewish causes (IK 6348). He wrote that Chassidus deepens, rather than diminishes, mitzvah observance (IK 7328), and that steadfast commitment overcomes every obstacle in spreading Judaism (IK 7700).

Recognizing G-d's hand. The Rebbe wrote that we must recognize G-d's hand in miraculous events rather than attributing success to human strength (IK 9384), and wrote about the joy of Tu B'Av and its connection to the redemption (IK 8495).

Sources: Wikipedia ("Shlomo Zalman Shragai"); and the Rebbe's letters cited above.

Shiurim in this topic
6089. Sabbath Observance on Israeli Ships שמירת שבת באניות ישראליות
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6348. Gratitude for Articles, Support for Kfar Chabad, and Strengthening Judaism Abroad הכרת תודה על מאמרים, תמיכה בכפר חב"ד, וחיזוק היהדות בחו"ל
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7328. Receiving the Torah with Joy, Chassidus and Mitzvah Observance קבלת התורה בשמחה, חסידות וקיום מצוות
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7700. Encouragement in Spreading Judaism and Blessings for Family Milestones עידוד בהפצת היהדות וברכות לאבני דרך משפחתיים
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8495. The Significance of Tu B'Av and the Ultimate Redemption חשיבות ט"ו באב והגאולה השלמה
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8605. The Source and Importance of Mishloach Manos and Matanos L'Evyonim מקור וחשיבות משלוח מנות ומתנות לאביונים
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8867. Ahavas Yisrael, Selfless Love, and the Correction for Baseless Hatred אהבת ישראל, אהבה עצמית בלתי תלויה, ותיקון לשנאת חינם
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9384. The Unfinished Northern Corner and Recognizing Divine Intervention הפינה הצפונית שלא נגמרה והכרת ההתערבות האלוקית
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9456. Encouragement for Publishing Articles on Mivtza Tefillin עידוד לפרסום מאמרים על מבצע תפלין
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9939. On Publishing Torah Works and the Importance of Uncompromising Truth על פרסום ספרי תורה וחשיבות האמת שאינה מתפשרת
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10015. On Sharing a Tzt"z Manuscript, Jewish Identity Law, and Publicizing Truth על שיתוף כתב יד צ"צ, חוק מיהו יהודי, ופרסום האמת
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4531. Protesting Shabbos Desecration on Organized Ship Voyages מחאה על חילול שבת במסעות מאורגנים באניה
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4596. Shabbat Observance on Israeli Ships and Its Broader Implications שמירת שבת באניות ישראליות והשלכותיה הרחבות
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4733. Shabbat Observance, Ship Travel, and Security in Eretz Yisrael שמירת שבת, נסיעה באניות, ובטחון בארץ ישראל
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