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Rabbi Shalom DovBer Kesselman was a prominent Chabad-Lubavitch chassid and emissary, recognized for his leadership and educational activities within the Chabad community. The correspondence from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, addresses him with honorifics and acknowledges his key role in guiding students and managing communal affairs.
The Rebbe’s letter to Rabbi Kesselman, dated 12 Teves 5712 (1952), reflects a respectful and collaborative relationship. The Rebbe responds to several of Rabbi Kesselman’s previous letters, expressing appreciation for his detailed updates and the reports of the students’ activities, particularly in the realms of saving Jewish children and spreading the teachings of Chassidus. The Rebbe encourages Rabbi Kesselman to continue publicizing important directives among the administration and students, emphasizing the enduring relevance of his earlier guidance.
The Rebbe provides specific advice on administrative and educational matters, such as the allocation of responsibilities among students, the importance of gradual and diplomatic changes in communal roles, and sensitivity to individual circumstances, including parental concerns. He also discusses the approach to the study of Chassidus, recommending that it be conducted as it was in previous generations, with an added focus on certain methods of study he had previously outlined.
The correspondence highlights several recurring themes: the importance of spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus, the careful nurturing of students, and the need for effective communal leadership. The Rebbe’s tone is both appreciative and instructive, offering gratitude for Rabbi Kesselman’s dedication while providing practical and spiritual guidance. The Rebbe also addresses the challenges of leadership, noting his own time constraints and empathizing with the demands placed on communal figures.
Overall, the letters demonstrate the Rebbe’s trust in Rabbi Kesselman’s judgment and his pivotal role in advancing the mission of Chabad in his locale, particularly in education and outreach.