Igrot Kodesh · Letter 3418 — Faith & Bitachon

B"H

26 Nissan* 5715

Brooklyn

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem and devotes himself to communal needs, Rav Mordechai (Rav M. Ritch, of Melbourne, Australia),

Greetings and blessings,

I noted with pleasure your letter of 5/4, which followed a long silence, together with the press clippings and photographs that accompanied it.

I was therefore pleased to learn that the inauguration of the Yeshivah* (see letter no. 3411) was a success, which establishes once more that the Jewish heart is always awake to Torah* and mitzvos*, as long as one employs the right words and acts in the proper manner.

This will surely encourage all those who took part in this inauguration and inspire them to do the same in the future, in greater proportion and with more strength. Consequently, the blessings of Hashem and the success will also be increased, all the more so since the Yeshivah* has a public vocation. The merit of all therefore depends on you.

I hope it is unnecessary to point out to those who support the Yeshivah* and act on its behalf how important it is to distance oneself from anything that could be interpreted as affiliation with a party, even if that party receives the assent of some of these individuals. Indeed, one must guard against the slightest cause that might bar certain Jews from accessing the Yeshivah*.

It must be open to all who practice Torah* and mitzvos*, without distinction based on party affiliation. This is the principle upon which the success of Lubavitch* has always been based, in many countries and at different times. The work undertaken must in no way be affiliated.

I hope you adopt the same position as I do in this matter. This attitude will provide the means to preserve the importance and the work of the Yeshivah*, so that no one can claim it is closer to one party than to another.

As you request, I will mention your name and those of all the members of your family, whom you cite in your letter, at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit protects us, the leader of Yisrael*. The merit of the work you carry out on behalf of the holy institution Ohalei Yosef Yitzchak Lubavitch, which bears his name (that of the previous Rebbe), will undoubtedly protect you all. My father-in-law, the Rebbe*, will invoke the great Divine mercy for each of you, so that you obtain the satisfaction of your needs, material and spiritual.

With my blessing for good health and that you convey good tidings,

M. Schneerson