The Rebbe's letters on "Who is a Jew," conversion, and public Shabbos observance in the State of Israel. These letters express the Rebbe's own position on questions that are debated; they are presented here as his guidance.
Who is a Jew — according to halachah. The Rebbe called for unwavering, repeated public advocacy that Israeli law define who is a Jew according to halachah, and for amending the law to require conversion according to halachah (IK 9889, 9890, 9974). He saw the issue as urgent and requiring everyone's involvement, including those with public influence (IK 10263, 10282), and as essential to true Jewish unity (IK 9921, 10283). Registering people as Jewish without proper conversion undermines the unity and clarity of the Jewish people (IK 6806, 10128), and non-Jewish involvement in defining Jewish identity through legislation is inappropriate (IK 9980). Halachah itself clearly defines who is Jewish (IK 4154b, 10419).
Improper conversions. Conversion without genuine intent and without halachic standards is not valid (IK 10086). Leaders should act decisively rather than compromise or stay silent (IK 10170), and the pain of improper conversion was to be marked with protest, Torah study and tzedakah, especially on Tisha B'Av (IK 10450, 10451).
Shabbos in public life. The Rebbe urged persistent effort on key religious issues in Israel — Shabbos observance by public institutions and separate education among them (IK 5569). He called for swift rabbinic action against Israeli ships sailing on Shabbos, a public desecration, and advised against traveling on them (IK 4709, 6010, 9014, 9021).
See also: Land of Israel – Security and the wholeness of the Land.