Shiurim in this topic
Rabbi Shmuel Eidelkopf was a Chabad emissary (shliach) and educator who corresponded with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, regarding his activities in spreading Chassidus and strengthening Jewish life in a distant community.
In a letter dated 27 Teves, 5712 (1952), the Rebbe responds warmly to Rabbi Eidelkopf's report of his recent efforts in teaching Chassidus and organizing a farbrengen (Chassidic gathering). The Rebbe expresses gratitude for these updates, emphasizing the great spiritual thirst for Torah and mitzvos, especially in spiritually distant locations. He notes that while such activities are praiseworthy, the ultimate goal is not merely to review Chassidus or encourage donations, but to inspire the community so deeply that they themselves actively seek out Torah and Chassidic life.
The Rebbe reminds Rabbi Eidelkopf of a teaching from the previous Rebbe, that a true educator is one who succeeds even with students who are less naturally inclined, and that his mission is to create frum Jews and Chassidim—not only among the eager, but throughout the entire community. The Rebbe encourages him to transform the environment into a Chassidic one, stressing the importance of bringing additional Chabad families to join him, so he would not be isolated in his work.
The Rebbe addresses a concern that Rabbi Eidelkopf may view his posting as a form of exile, longing for release to more established Jewish communities such as Brooklyn or Williamsburg. The Rebbe cautions that such an attitude could detract from the effectiveness of his mission, quoting the Rebbe Rashab: one must be fully present in the place where Divine Providence has placed him, as this is a sign of true commitment to the task. The Rebbe urges Rabbi Eidelkopf to embrace his current role as a central and essential mission, and to actively seek ways to strengthen the local community by encouraging other Chassidic families to settle there.
The tone of the correspondence is both encouraging and demanding, reflecting the Rebbe's high expectations for his emissaries and his deep concern for the spiritual growth of Jewish communities in remote areas.