I
Will Write It In Their Hearts
Volume 4
A
Treasury of Letters from the Lubavitcher Rebbe,
Rabbi Menachem M.
Schneerson
Selections from Igros Kodesh
Translated by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger
Published
by
Sichos In English
I
Will Write It In Their Hearts
Volume 4
Published by Sichos In English at Smashwords
Copyright 2004 Sichos In English
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ISBN 978-1-4659-8842-3
Chapter 1: Publisher’s Foreword
B”H
This volume presents letters from the year 5709 (1948-1949). This was a unique period for Lubavitch-Chabad. The Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, was suffering from a stroke that had incapacitated him to the point that, as one of the vintage chassidim of that era stated: “The world has become so dark that we cannot hear the Rebbe’s words.” His speech was severely hampered and only a few close confidants were able to understand him.
This impediment did not prevent him from spearheading efforts to spread Judaism through America and the world at large and lay the foundation for the rebuilding of the Lubavitch-Chabad community after the devastation wrecked upon it by the Communists and the Nazis. If the natural means at his disposal were limited, he had other, higher potentials at his command and he did not hesitate to use them for these purposes.
Throughout this period, the Rebbe stood at the helm of three organizations: Machne Yisrael, Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, and Kehot Publications, established by the Previous Rebbe for the purpose of spreading Jewish identity and observance.1 As the letters in this volume indicate, he worked tirelessly to advance these goals and spurred others to similar devotion.
Building the Inner Core
In chassidic lore,2 there is a concept of Anshei Moshe, “Moshe’s men,” people with absolute dedication to the leader of the generation. Continually, throughout these letters, the Rebbe encouraged chassidim – and not-yet chassidim – to bond with the Moshe of the generation, the Previous Rebbe, and carry out his directives.
In doing so, the Rebbe corresponded extensively with several people. Over the course of time, through the connection he established with them, there crystallized a core group of followers who revered his word and carried it out without question.
The above relates to one of the unique developments that figures in this collection of letters: the initiation of the michtav klali/prati (lit., “a public/private letter”), a letter of general import that was sent to various different individuals, addressed personally to each one.3 At this time, the Rebbe’s correspondence had expanded. To maintain contact with those with whom he had established an ongoing relationship, he would compose one letter in connection with the weekly Torah reading or a forthcoming auspicious Jewish date and send it to various people, making pertinent additions for each one.
The Primary Focus of the Rebbe’s Attention
The letters in this volume point to the prominent importance which the Rebbe gave to publishing. Many of the letters translated contain directives concerning the publication and distribution of the books of Kehot Publications, the Lubavitch publishing house that the Rebbe headed. Also, from time to time, these letters give us a glimpse into how much time, effort, and soul the Rebbe himself dedicated to these publishing endeavors. As he writes:4
I remember that I promised you an explanation of the sichah included in the kuntreis for the Pesach holiday. But what can I do? Matters of immediate urgency cause the matters that are not of immediate urgency to be postponed until a more fitting time. For example, after publishing the kuntreis for the Festival of Redemption,5 I was compelled to complete everything that is necessary for the publication of the index to the maamarim of the Rebbe [Rashab] that have already been sent to print. Afterwards, it was necessary for me to be involved in the preparation of the Sdei Chemed for print (since, for various reasons, the first volume must not appear later than 12 Elul. Accordingly, the printer is pressing not to delay the other volumes). In the midst of my involvement with this, it became evident that we did not have a sufficient number of machzorim on hand. Thus, more had to be prepared before the appropriate time. Since [a new printing was being made,] I received a directive to prepare at least a short list of Chabad customs for the Ten Days of Repentance which are new or different [than those practice at large]. No doubt, within a week, the kuntreis for Chai Elul will be submitted [to be prepared for printing].... And all of the above comes in addition to [the work on] the maamarim of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, that we began to print more than two years ago, as well as Sefer HaMaamarim 5643, which is in print, and other texts.
All of this comes in addition to the concerns of the other departments of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and Machne Yisrael that I cannot delegate to others. Nevertheless, I have not given up on [penetrating to] the depths of that sichah, and if I am able to comprehend anything regarding its explanation, I will not hesitate to write what appears to me, according to my humble opinion. I do not know, however, when I will have free time, or at least partially so....
From Generation to Generation
Among the other thrusts that characterized the Rebbe’s approach that is reflected in these letters is the importance granted to Lubavitch customs.6 To a significant extent, the Stalinist persecutions and the Holocaust had weakened the continuity the Chabad tradition. Children had not grown up at home with their parents looking over their shoulders to guide them in their practice. Moreover, the outreach activities in America and elsewhere had brought many people from other backgrounds to the Lubavitch fold and they certainly were not steeped in Lubavitch practice. As such, the Rebbe felt the need to clearly define the customs we observe. This he did in great detail, giving precise instructions on how to observe different mitzvos and practices and providing thorough explanations regarding the halachic basis of these instructions.
Back to Basics
The change in the makeup of the Lubavitch community mentioned above necessitated educational efforts not only in observance, but also in ideology. Fundamental concepts that in previous generations were known viscerally, without having to be spelled out and articulated intellectually, had to be communicated and ingrained within the Chassidic community.
One of these concepts was the relationship of chassidim to the Rebbe and the role played by the Rebbe within the Chassidic community and within the world at large. On a very basic level, the Rebbe wrote frequent letters to stress the importance of maamad,7 money given to the Rebbe by chassidim to support his household needs and distribute to others at his discretion. But far beyond teaching the chassidim to augment the material bonds between them and the Rebbe, he also taught them to heighten the inner connection they share. Thus the Rebbe wrote several letters8 encouraging the preparation of a book of pictures of Lubavitcher chassidim and their families all over the world to be given to the Previous Rebbe. He highlighted the result of this campaign, stating:9
Here, it is already possible to see the positive feelings that were aroused among different people who are bonded [to the Rebbe] from the knowledge that the Lubavitcher Rebbe desires their family pictures so that he will be able to recall them.
In clear and certain terms, he emphasized that a Rebbe is not merely the leader of a small group of followers but the leader of the entire people, who shows care and concern for every Jew. And he charged chassidim with communicating this concept to other, even those on the peripheries of the Jewish community, as he writes:10
As a result, just as he is not at all embarrassed to tell his acquaintances who are in need the address of an expert doctor, so too, when he sees a person who is confused or confronted by a fundamental life question, he tells him: “The Jewish people are not without assistance, Heaven forbid. There is someone we can ask.” Moreover, he does not wait until his acquaintances come to him to ask if there is a Rebbe, for by and large they don’t know what a Rebbe is. Instead, he goes to them and explains to them.
Time to Light Candles
In these letters, the Rebbe also begins to articulate the need for outreach activities, that beyond its efforts to preserve and maintain its own tradition, Lubavitch must spearhead the efforts to spread Chassidus to Jews of other backgrounds, those observant and those not yet observant. As the Rebbe writes:11
After all the years that you have been in your community, have you not been able to bring even one person under your influence?... When will you finally begin doing your share to spread forth the wellsprings of the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings outward? Mashiach is waiting for the activities each one of us will perform so that the answer he gave the Baal Shem Tov will be fulfilled and he will then come and redeem us from exile — the exile of the body and the exile of the soul.
And in another letter, he asks a distinguished chassid:
How many [of those] people were added to [those involved in] the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe through your efforts?
Frequently, he would rouse chassidim to activity, refusing to let them content themselves with sighing over an undesirable situation, as he writes:12
Gevald! Reb.... How much critique will you give? Even if you were correct in all of your letters and demands, there is nothing but negativity. Why don’t you invest your energies in positive things, in building Chabad activities in your community, in your synagogue, and in your city?
He also was personally involved in these outreach efforts, corresponding with individuals and encouraging them both to make continued personal advance in Jewish practice and to share their growth with others. For example, he writes:13
You write that you have become depressed because the level of Jewish life in your city and in the surrounding cities is not good.
Do you think that this is a solution and a means to correct the situation?
You no doubt know that, as the Alter Rebbe writes in Tanya, ch. 26, the opposite is true. Sadness weakens a person [and holds him back] in the battle that he must wage with the yetzer hara and with the evil in the world. If he sees that the enemy is strengthening itself, Heaven forbid, he should become even more energetic and should seek methods to become victorious.
A Kaleidoscope of Activity
Beyond the individual points mentioned above, one of the unique dimensions of these collections of letters is the multifaceted picture of the Rebbe it presents. For example, the present collection includes letters that feature discussions with leading Torah scholars,14 revolutionary analysis of halachic issues,15 clarification of profound chassidic concepts,16 the encouragement of chassidim to write their memoirs,17 and a stress on the campaigns initiated by the Previous Rebbe, including the division of the Talmud.18
Towards the Ultimate Horizon
Publishing these letters is not intended merely to bring to mind pleasant memories – though it certainly will. Instead, it is a future-oriented endeavor, for the Rebbe’s advice to individuals and his general guidance in building Lubavitch-Chabad as it was transplanted to the American continent provide us with direction and encouragement as we shoulder the mission of spiritual responsibility with which he charged us: to prepare the world for the coming of Mashiach, the Redemption, and the Resurrection. Then we will no longer have to content ourselves with reading letters written years ago, but will hear new teachings from the Rebbe. May this take place in the immediate future.
Rabbi
Eliyahu Touger
Sichos In English
Tammuz 3, 5764
* * *
Credits
Rochel Chana Schilder for editing; Rabbi Aharon Leib Raskin for checking the authenticity of the text and supplying additional references and source material; Yosef Yitzchok Turner for designing the layout and typography; Rabbi Yonah Avtzon for preparing the text for publication; Avrohom Weg for designing the cover; and Rabbi Shalom Dovber Levine, whose notes and background information to Igros Kodesh were an invaluable resource.
Chapter 2: Treasury of Letters
No. 406
This letter was written by the Rebbe to be translated into English and sent to Mr. Julius Stulman, one of the primary supporters of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch in its early history.19
[8 Tishrei, 5709]
I acknowledge the receipt of your letter and express thanks on behalf of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and on my own behalf for your appreciation of the work of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch as expressed in the lofty terms of praise you used in your letter. This strengthens and reinforces our spirits. This is particularly necessary in these days when the obstacles and impediments to the activities within the growth plan of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch are growing and multiplying, and those who help are becoming weaker and less. The schedule of activity is growing and increasing from month to month and from week to week and there is no possibility of diminishing it unless sacrifices (in spirit, which will ultimately [affect] the bodies) are made by those who are being assisted by Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch.20 I cannot take the responsibility [of diminishing these activities] upon myself.
To further develop the excellent analogy that you mentioned in your letter: an atom bomb and the tremendous energy that is released in this manner. You are no doubt aware that in this context, many of the fundamental questions that stood before the scientists revolved around [a particular concept,] a chain process, and the success of the entire project depended on the solution they devised [concerning it].
a) [In] a chain process, the desired result will be reached by a machine creating fission within certain elements of the atom that will lead to the fission of other atoms which in turn will lead to the fission of other atoms. And in this way, the energy will continue to increase.
b) In an undesirable situation, it will be possible to arrange that the number of atoms affected by fission will continually decrease.21
c) The cost (both in energy and in finances) in bringing about the fission of the atom will be less than the profit brought about by the energy released by the fission. [This is of fundamental importance,] because the ultimate purpose of all the experiments and all the work in this field was not intended to be merely theoretical, but instead, for [the knowledge to] be applied in actual life [situations] and in this way, make our lives better and more refined.
The analogue to the above certainly does not require explanation to a person such as yourself.
Again I would like to wish you and the members of your household a chasimah and a g’mar chasimah tovah. May the coming year see an increase in your potential and your desire to use your powers on the path that was laid out for the entire Jewish people from the day they stood at Mount Sinai, i.e., the path of the Torah and its mitzvos. In particular, this applies to the field of kosher [Jewish] education. May the blessings which my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, gave you be fulfilled.
No. 407
This letter was addressed to Rabbi M. Zalowinsky.
B”H, 8 Tishrei, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
In response to your question regarding the actual halachic ruling (halachah lemaaseh) concerning strands for tzitzis that were made by a Jew with the intent that they be used for the mitzvah,22 but that were made using a machine:
There is a difference of opinion among the later authorities concerning this issue, and the majority rule leniently. You are, however, aware of the view of the Divrei Chayim (Orach Chayim, Vol. II, sec. 1) and those who share his opinion and forbid this.
I asked my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, what course of action should be taken, and he told me that during World War I (5675-5678 {1915-1918}) when refugees came to the inner portions of Russia, the Rebbe Rashab sent special agents to the factory of R. Ginsburg and they made tzitzis using machines. Practical application [serves as guidance for determining halachah].
It is understandable that the above applies with regard to [making the tzitzis] for the sake of the mitzvah. One must, however, be careful that there is no trace of flax or any other fabric mixed in.
Concluding with a blessing for a chasimah and a g’mar chasimah tovah for you and for the entire brotherhood.
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
No. 409
This letter was addressed to Rabbi S. M.
B”H, 9 Tishrei, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
In response to your letter of 25 Elul, [in which you asked]:
a) How should one conduct himself regarding the blessings al netilas yadayim and Elokai Neshamah when he remains awake all night?
The directive given publicly is that one does not recite them, as stated in the Alter Rebbe’s [Piskei Siddur]. It is clear that one may hear them [recited by] someone who slept [and in that manner fulfill his obligation if he is in fact obligated]. (The directive given secretly is that [these blessings] should be recited. This is what I heard from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita.)
b) Is the Torah read in a minyan when all of those in the minyan have already heard the reading of the Torah?
I have never heard or seen people conduct themselves in that manner.
Enclosed are three maamarim to be shared with others.
With blessings for a g’mar chasimah tovah,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
No. 410
This letter was addressed to Rabbi Y.
B”H, 9 Tishrei, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
With regard to your letter of 24 Elul, in response to your question with regard to the congregation’s reading of the phrases zochreinu... u’besefer...when the sheliach tzibbur repeats [the Shemoneh Esreh].
Our custom, as verified explicitly by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, is that the congregation recite u’chsov... and u’chsom...23 and u’besefer on Shabbos and festivals as well.
You write that there are those [who follow the custom that the congregation] also repeat zochreinu... and mi chamocha...and that it appears to you that this practice should be followed, for what reason is there to differentiate between [these refrains] and u’chsov...?
I have heard about this custom and I have always wondered why the phrase mi chamocha... is repeated, for this is not a request for mercy, but instead a recounting of G-d’s praise.
The rationale for our custom not to repeat zochreinu...24 is that the request “Remember us for life” is a lesser request.25 Therefore the congregation does not repeat it after they have already asked:26 “Write down... for a good life.” The sheliach tzibbur, by contrast, [recites zochreinu despite the fact that he has said u’chsov, because he recites] u’chsov27 [only] in order to prepare for the recitation of his [public] prayers.28
With regard to sending the publications of Otzar HaChassidim and Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch to your community: Inform me of the number of copies of each [publication desired].
I have asked several times whether anyone is in possession of the explanations of Rav Shmuel Gronem Esterman on the Tanya.29 ([I am asking to borrow them] with the intent that they will be returned.) I have not received a clear response.
I conclude with blessings for a chasimah and a g’mar chasimah tovah,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
No. 411
The name of the person to whom this letter was addressed was not released.
B”H, Erev Yom Kippur, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
I received your blessings for the coming year. Everyone who gives blessings is blessed30 with blessings from the Holy One, blessed be He that exceed his initial blessings.
For some time, I have wished to motivate you concerning the following matter and I will use this opportunity. In particular, [it is appropriate] because the present days are “a time of will” in the spiritual realms and on the earthly plane.
There are very many people who seek to make an eternal remembrance in a fitting manner for their relatives who have passed away or, lehavdil, for [the merit] of themselves or relatives who are alive, may they be granted long life and good years. My revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, emphasized the great importance of this matter with regard to your deeds in printing several texts of Chassidus for the merit of such people and ordered that on the title page it be stated that the text was printed by you for the merit of so-and-so. Certainly, you have seen this in several of the texts from the series Toras Shmuel that are also available in Paris. Your example was emulated by several of the members of the chassidic brotherhood.
[As such,] I would like to make the following suggestion for you as approved by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita: that you take upon yourself the printing of one of the texts of Chassidus that are now prepared for publication in the merit of your parents z”l. It is certainly not necessary to explain to a person like yourself the great merit and the great satisfaction generated for [your parents’] souls by you who serve as their successor and the one who perpetuates their Divine service with regard to the Torah and mitzvos.
We are now preparing to publish the Tzemach Tzedek’s [maamarim] on Shmos, Vol. I; the maamarim of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, from the years 5704-5705; and the series of maamarim beginning on Rosh HaShanah, 5708.
The printing expenses may be paid out over several months if it is difficult for you to pay the entire sum at once, as long as we are certain that at set times we will receive the appropriate amount of funds.
The expenses are approximately $2000 for the first and second options. (This takes into consideration the fact that part of the expenses will be recovered through the sale of the books.) For the third option, the cost would be $1000.
It is possible that when you see such sums you will wonder why I would suggest that you commit yourself to such amounts. I am, however, certain that if you contemplate the matter and take into consideration that [the donation] is for the purpose of elevating the souls of those mentioned above, and when considering the relationship that is appropriate between you and them, you will accept one of these suggestions with deepfelt will and desire, and notify my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, of this.
When, at the beginning of the year, we show G-d that we are taking a prolific stance and we begin a project in the realm of the Torah and its mitzvos, in particular in the realm of pnimiyus haTorah, the entire year follows that pattern in both material and spiritual matters.
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
Enclosed is the latest kuntreis that was published.
No. 412
This letter was addressed to Rabbi Avraham Eliyahu Axelrod, an active communal Rabbi in Baltimore.
B”H, 29 Tishrei, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
I was informed of the tragedy that occurred with the passing of your mother. May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
As per your request, in addition to what I sent you on Chol HaMoed Sukkos (which I sent with the intent that it be returned), I will also elucidate certain practices that stem from the directives of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita.31
We do not tear the tallis katan. One should recite the Yizkor prayers in the first year [after the passing of his parent].32 He should not leave the synagogue, but he should recite [the prayer] in a manner that it is not obvious [that he is reciting it]. He should receive the aliyah of maftir for the entire eleven months [that he recites Kaddish]. He should endeavor to receive an aliyah to the Torah whenever possible. On Shabbos, this applies in both the morning and the afternoon. The prayer E-l Malei Rachamim should not be recited during the first year.
One should endeavor to read publicly from the Torah and recite Mishnayos according to their order.33 The twenty-fourth chapter [of Taharos] and [the seventh chapter of] Mikvaos34 [should be studied] after every prayer service during the thirty days of Shloshim mourning. Afterwards, it is sufficient to study the four mishnayos [at the conclusion of the cited chapter of Mikvaos whose letters serve as an acronym for the word] neshamah (“soul”).
The following Kaddeishim should be recited: before prayer [i.e., after the passage beginning Rabbi Yishmael], before Barchu, after the Shemoneh Esreh,35 after U’va LeTziyon Goel and the Song of the Day, after kavei, after Aleinu, after Tehillim, and after the Mishnayos; before and after the Shemoneh Esreh of the Minchah service, after Aleinu, and after Mishnayos; before Barchu in the evening service, before and after the Shemoneh Esreh, after Aleinu, and after Mishnayos.
May [we merit] speedily in our days the fulfillment of the prophecy:36 “Those who lie in the dust will arise and sing,” after the coming of Mashiach and the true and complete Redemption.
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
No. 413
This letter was addressed to R. Yitzchak Menachem Mendel Liss.
B”H, 3 Cheshvan, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
In response to your questions:
a) On Yom Kippur, it is not our custom to say the passage Elokeinu V’Elokei Avoseinu that precedes the Akeidah, nor the passage Ribbono Shel Olam which follows it.
b) We do not recite Tachanun37 or [the Confessional Prayer] Al Cheit in the recitation of the Shema before retiring on Yom Kippur. This applies even if [Yom Kippur] does not fall on Shabbos. My revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, said: “On Yom Kippur, we say Al Cheit only as many times as we are obligated to.”
c) [You asked:] Why, when mentioning the good character traits that are naturally found within the Jewish people,38 does the Tanya, at the conclusion of ch. 1, mention mercy and deeds of kindness, but omit the third quality, bashfulness?39
To be more specific: Tanya, at the conclusion of ch. 1, speaks about the nature of the Jewish people from the perspective of the animal soul. Iggeres HaKodesh, Epistle 12, speaks about this subject from the standpoint of the G-dly soul. In both cases, [the Alter Rebbe] mentions mercy and deeds of kindness, but does not mention bashfulness.
The rationale [for this can be explained] as follows: These three qualities [are alluded to with the acronym] gever.40 The qualities of deeds of kindness and mercy stem from the attribute of kindness, [Chessed,] and from the vector of decision41 which tends to kindness. Bashfulness, by contrast, stems from the attribute of Gevurah and tzimtzum (see the maamar entitled Ki Yedaativ in Or HaTorah from the Tzemach Tzedek). Therefore, in Iggeres HaKodesh, [the Alter Rebbe] explains that within the Jewish people, the attribute of kindness is predominant. Hence, their natures are conducive to being merciful and performing deeds of kindness. There is not, by contrast, a connection to the qualities of brashness or bashfulness, for both are motifs that stem from the attribute of Gevurah.
With regard to the Jewish people, they are doers of kindness, [and are] bashful and merciful, even from the perspective of the animal soul (Yevamos 79a). The quality of bashfulness is, however, different from the attributes of doing kindness and mercifulness in that the latter two qualities are intrinsic qualities; natural [to the Jewish people]. [This is not true with regard to] bashfulness. On the contrary, according to their nature and inherent tendencies, the Jews are the brashest of the nations (Beitzah 25b). It is only that at the time of the Giving of the Torah, the Torah weakened their strength and made them bashful. And from our ancestors [who received the Torah], this quality is transferred as a heritage to the descendants without any effort or labor on the part of the children (Nedarim 20). See the Chiddushei Aggados of the Maharsha to the passage from Yevamos, loc. cit. Therefore when Tanya, at the conclusion of ch. 1, mentions the positive qualities that are inherent to the nature of the animal soul of the Jewish people, [it does not mention bashfulness,] because it is not one of those qualities.
Fixed times to study Tanya communally have no doubt been established in your locale in a public place, in addition to the establishment of fixed times to study the sichos and the maamarim of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita. [This is alluded to by the verse]:42 “On the eighth day, you shall hold an assembly.”
With greetings to all the members of our brotherhood,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
No. 414
This letter was addressed to Rabbi Shneur Zalman Duchman, one of the active members of the chassidic brotherhood.
B”H, 12 Cheshvan, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
My revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, gave me your letter asking that we send you our publications. Note that what we send to R. Mordechai Perlow HaKohen is explicitly being sent to him to share with people at large because we are not able to send [them] to each person individually.
Nevertheless, since your request came to us as an exception to the rule, we will also fulfill it as an exception to the rule, with the following provisos:
a) that you share the material sent in the package addressed to you with people at large;
b) since you signed your letter ...the grandson of R. Mordechai Yoel [Duchman] of Homil, would you please send memoirs of your recollections of your grandfather and his brothers. For it is the desire of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, to collect information regarding the elder chassidim. Over time, this certainly will also benefit people at large.
With greetings to all the members of our brotherhood, and to R. Mordechai Perlow.
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
It appears to me that during the time of the imprisonment of my revered father-in-law,43 the Rebbe Shlita, you were one of those whom I entrusted with the hiding of his manuscripts. [Is this true]?
No. 415
This letter was addressed to R. David Bravman, a chassid who was charged with overseeing the publication of texts of Chassidus in Germany after WWII.
B”H, 20 Cheshvan, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
In response to your letters from Rosh Chodesh and 7 MarCheshvan:
a) As of yet, I have not received [any copies of the new printing of] Likkutei Torah. I asked Rabbi Benyamin Gorodetzky44 and he told me that he received only one copy for himself. In these [past] days, 28 Siddurim have been received. It would be fitting if the Shaarei Orah could be received before Chanukah45 and the Likkutei Torah before Beshalach.46
b) I am surprised that you did not send at least some of the texts with those who journeyed to [R.] Nemanov’s community.47 For it is common for people to travel here from there.
c) With regard to receiving a permit for the texts to enter this [country]: The lawyer desires to know from which department — the Customs Department or the State Department — have those who have already sent texts received such a permit. Please inform me of this. If you could receive a photostat of such a permit, it would be desirable.
Regardless, do not depend on receiving a permit from here for the texts that are already prepared to be sent, and do not delay their shipment for that reason. Instead, send immediately through the mail at least 1000 Siddurim, 500 sets of the Shulchan Aruch, Torah Or, the Shaarim,48 and Likkutei Torah, and 200 of Sifreinu, Vol. V. Notify us immediately that you have done this.
d) At the end of my notes to the Piskei Dinim, the following note should be added: On p. 69d, in one copy [of a manuscript], I found “... [Responsa] MaharalNach, sec. 102. On Purim, 5625, [1865] in Lubavitch, the Rebbe [Maharash] directed that the blessing Shehecheyanu be recited in the morning before reading the Megillah.”
e) You should print the Piskei Dinim as soon as possible, because there is a donor for it, as I wrote already.
f) I answered Rabbi M. Zalowinsky over a month ago.49 Would you please notify me whether he received my letter.
g) Enclosed is the maamar from 13 Tishrei and a digest of the talks [delivered at] the meal of Simchas Torah which are being sent to be made available to people at large. Also, [enclosed is] a letter of general concern from Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch.
May the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab50 on which the spiritual source of his soul shines powerfully (as stated in the Talmud Yerushalmi, Rosh HaShanah 3:8) have a positive influence on all of us to take part in the spreading of his teachings which are the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov [and] the teachings of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita.
Awaiting good tidings, with greetings to all the members of our brotherhood,
M. Schneerson
No. 416
This letter was addressed to R. Chanoch Hendel Havlin, one of the members of the Lubavitch community in Jerusalem.
B”H, 23 Cheshvan, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
Your letters from 7 Tishrei and 7 MarCheshvan arrived. In response to them:
a) Enclosed is the maamar from 13 Tishrei which is being sent to be made available to people at large, and a letter of general concern from Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch. Kuntreis Heichaltzu, 5659, is being sent to you under separate cover.
b) No doubt all of our institutions fulfilled the directive that my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, sent by telegram: to apply to the Chicago Committee for Yeshivos with a request for assistance. The Committee wrote to Rabbanim in the Holy Land in connection with the support it will give this year. You will no doubt consult with R. Shlomo Y. Zevin immediately regarding what to do about this and why Yeshivas Tzemach Tzedek was left out.
c) We do not follow the custom of leading the Grace After Meals during the third Shabbos meal or leading the services on Saturday night on the Shabbos before commemorating a Yahrzeit.51
d) When they are printed, you will no doubt send here [clippings from] the newspaper that includes a review regarding Sefer HaKitzurim VeHaaros LeTanya, Kuntreis Heichaltzu, and the like.52
e) I am surprised that you do not mention anything about your father’s notes on the Tanya. I repeat my request that you have them sent here53 with the intent that they be returned if you so desire.
f) We wrote to Rabbi Benjaminson. We no longer have a complete set of the Shmuessen, for some of the issues are entirely sold out.
With good wishes to all those who seek our welfare,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
No. 417
This letter was addressed to R. Yaakov Landau, the Rav of Bnei Brak and a leading Lubavitch Rabbinic authority.
B”H, 26 Cheshvan, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
As I recall, I am the one who is “righteous” with regard to our correspondence, for you did not answer the last letter that I wrote you, nor did you acknowledge receipt of the Rebbe Rashab’s maamar entitled VaYachlom (Kuntreis 52) that I sent you at that time.54
In one of the newspapers, I read that you took part in a Rabbinical assembly and that you suggested a text for a heter iska.55 I took joy at least in this piece of information.
I am writing with regard to a matter of present [concern]. Enclosed is Kuntreis Heichaltzu, 5659, which was just published. You will no doubt acknowledge receipt of it.
On this occasion, I would like to recall again the promise you made previously, to send a copy of the conclusion of the Rebbe Rashab’s letter concerning Lashon HaKodesh,56 the beginning of which you sent last year. (It concludes with the note: “Behold, in Sanhedrin, the words ‘according to one version are as above.’”) And also [you promised], given the contingencies of time, to copy other letters of significant content if you possess them. [I send] my thanks in advance.
With wishes for everlasting good and with good wishes to the members of your household even though I do not know them.
M. Schneerson
No. 418
This letter was addressed to R. Moshe Gurarie, one of the leading members of the Lubavitch community in Tel Aviv.
B”H, the first day of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
In response to your letter of 21 Elul which reached me after a delay and after offering good wishes to all.... Enclosed is [a copy of] Kuntreis Heichaltzu which was just published. It is [being sent to you] to share with people at large. [Also enclosed are] two small pamphlets that were printed during the war for the sake of the soldiers. Let me know whether, in your opinion, they are appropriate for the purpose [you mentioned].57 If yes, how many should be sent to you?
Thanks for the greetings given to my brother.58 Since I am concerned with his welfare and that of his family, I would very strongly request that you see him and give him greetings from me.... I am confident that you will fulfill my request as you did the last time. In advance, I offer my thanks.
Regarding the question concerning the matter of R. Chayim A. Naeh: He should be given 50 shekels from Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch. No doubt, he has fulfilled his promise.
[Also,] would [you] see that R. Moshe Axelrod sends my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita — directly or via myself — the notes of R. Shmuel Gronem Esterman to the Tanya. Perhaps it is also possible to obtain the notes of R. Zalman Havlin, which, as [his son] R. Chanoch Hendel wrote me, are in the possession of his brother in Tel Aviv. [And if you could, please send the notes] that are in the possession of Rav Zislin.
Under separate cover, we sent you the text Sefer HaKitzurim VeHaaros LeTanya. A list of our publications is printed after its conclusion.
I will conclude for now [with the following point]: The Chicago Committee for Yeshivos wrote to Rabbanim in the Holy Land in connection with the allocation of their support for the yeshivos. It is incumbent upon you to meet with R. Shlomo Y. Zevin and plan a strategy. It is almost certain this committee will visit the Holy Land and it is possible that R. Shlomo Palmer59 will be among them.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and notify me of good news in the near future.
With greetings to the members of your household and to the entire brotherhood,
Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
No. 419
This letter was addressed to R. Menachem Zev Greenglass, one of the leaders of the Lubavitcher community in Montreal.
B”H, 3 Kislev, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
a) Enclosed is Kuntreis Heichaltzu which was just published together with additions. You will no doubt acknowledge your receipt of it.
b) Rabbi Leib Kramer gave me cause for joy [with the news] that a visa was already sent to my relative, R. Isser Kluvgant.60 [At first, I thought that] perhaps it would be proper to encourage [Mr.] Lavut61 to find a place for him to live, for while he was here he told me that he had begun involvement with this mitzvah. Afterwards I changed my mind, thinking that it is more fitting to wait until the opinion of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, concerning the matter becomes clarified.62
c) With regard to my note concerning R. Leib Schneerson of Veliz at the conclusion of that Kuntreis, please inform me of what you know concerning his lineage — his sons, his daughters, and the members of his household, in particular, R. Schneur Zalman of Lodz,63 and their marriage partners. I send my thanks in advance.
With greetings to all the members of our brotherhood,
M. Schneerson
No. 420
This is a portion of a letter sent to Rabbi Shneur Zalman Duchman, one of the active members of the chassidic brotherhood.
[8 Kislev, 5709]
...I received your two letters of 23 and 24 MarCheshvan which brought me joy, particularly your accounts of the chassidic stories and adages.64 I am hurrying to acknowledge my receipt of them so that you too will hurry to continue to write your memoirs and send them here. Undoubtedly, this will [ultimately] benefit people at large.
No. 421
This letter was addressed to R. Yaakov Katz, one of the initial supporters of Lubavitch activities in America.
B”H, 13 Kislev, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
Your letter from the second of this month duly arrived. Enclosed are receipts from Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch with heartfelt thanks for the checks.
I would also have desired that the printing of Piskei Dinim [of the Tzemach Tzedek] be completed already, but I did not want to print it in its present state. [Therefore] I began working over some manuscripts that speak about the [relevant] laws in the responsa of the Tzemach Tzedek and the like in order to check the manuscript from which we are printing. This requires much labor and time, in the middle of which, my attention is taken by other work in addition to my day-to-day [responsibilities], as is obvious. Therefore [the time for printing] is being extended. Nevertheless, I am hurrying with regard to the matters that depend on me and hope that the delay until now has been for the good.
On Sunday, I finished the Memoirs of the Rebbe Shlita (in English). I have been working on the project for more than a year and a half. I hope that it will be completed by Chanukah.
Yesterday, the Rebbe Shlita told me that he plans to print the maamar entitled Kol HaMeracheim together with the letter that he wrote to you in the beginning of Cheshvan.65 (Needless to say, the name of the person to whom the letter was addressed will not be mentioned [in the kuntreis].) This will also require a few days’ work for me. [Projects] of this type arise from time to time.
I conclude with blessings for all forms of good, with thanks, and with the hope to be able to bring good tidings,
Rabbi
Menachem Schneerson
Chairman of the Executive Committee
Under separate cover, I am sending our last publication, Bustanai (in English).
No. 422
This letter was addressed to R. Avraham Eliyahu Axelrod, an active communal Rabbi in Baltimore.
B”H, The Festival of Redemption, 19 Kislev, 5709
Greetings and blessings,
With satisfaction, I am able to notify you that the kuntreis for Yud-Tes Kislev66 that you printed in memory of your mother was published. Yesterday, the first copies were brought from the binder before the farbrengen. I immediately brought several copies to my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, and he was very satisfied. He told me: “I must study the maamar myself.” I remembered (even though the comparison is not entirely exact) [the following] story that I had previously heard from him [in the name of the Rebbe Rashab].
Once the chassidim found the Alter Rebbe studying the Tanya and asked: “Do you study Tanya?!”67 The Alter Rebbe answered: “I find (see?)68 more new ideas here than in Mezritch.” The Rebbe Rashab concluded: “What’s so amazing? [After all, we are] speaking about a new neshamah!”69