Igrot Kodesh · Letter 271 — Urgent Appeal for Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem, 23 Tammuz* 5707, To the dear Mr. Alexander Cohen[1], I greet and bless you,
I was pleased to meet you recently and to have the opportunity to exchange with you on various subjects, in particular on the situation of Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch*.
I know your great interest in the activities of this institution. I am therefore convinced that even before being invited to do so by our friend, Mr. Stolman[2], you will do everything in your power to deliver the Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch* from the critical situation it currently finds itself in, which endangers, Hashem forbid, its fundamental work.
The Alter Rebbe*, author of the Tanya*, notes that the Shulchan Aruch* establishes a maximum contribution to tzedakah*[3]. He observes, nonetheless, that this limit applies only to one who scrupulously puts into practice all the details of the Halachah*. But we Jews ask Hashem to adopt toward us a benevolent and merciful attitude. We must therefore ourselves, in the domain of tzedakah*, maintain a similar attitude and not hold strictly to the 'legal limit'.
I regard your help and your attachment to the Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch* with great gratitude. I am convinced that you come to its aid to the full extent of your means. Despite this, the situation of this institution is particularly worrying, and I therefore have good hope that you will go beyond the 'limit'.
You will make a particular effort to help us in an exceptional manner, in order to save the Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch*.
With my greetings and respects, Rav Menachem Schneerson[4]