Igrot Kodesh · Letter 6087 — Faith & Bitachon

By the grace of Hashem*,

3 Adar* 5718,

Brooklyn,

To the leaders of the Yeshivah* Tomchei Temimim*, in Lod, may Hashem* grant you long life,

Shalom* u'vracha*,

I am responding to your letters and to the questions formulated therein:

A) The sending of an emissary of the Sages (note 1: Charged with collecting funds for the Yeshivah) abroad: It seems to me that I have already written, on several occasions, that, in general, this is very judicious and the decisive proof of this is that virtually all the institutions of the Holy Land have been doing so for many years already. But, as I have also specified many times, this sending must not cause one institution to rise against another. There must be collaboration and understanding, in every possible way and in a positive manner.

B) Who will be this emissary and to which country should he be sent: You must approach this question according to the persons and the country concerned. Indeed, there are Chassidim* in every country, particularly in those where one can achieve the greatest success.

C) When to lay the cornerstone (note 2: Of the new building of the Yeshivah, presumably at Kfar Chabad*)? Here again, the decision must be made on the spot, according to the most suitable date, in the near future. Furthermore, an essential point, there must be sufficient time to carry out all the necessary preparations.

D) When you make a final decision on this date, you will let me know. Without making a vow of it, I will then draft a letter, which will be addressed to all. All of this has been delayed until now precisely because, on numerous occasions, a date for laying the cornerstone was set, then the decision was annulled.

E) It is said that the number of tourists is multiplying in the Holy Land, that this will particularly be the case in the coming months. I therefore repeat once more what I have already written to several Chabad* institutions to express my surprise at the fact that the organization of a visit of the institutions by these tourists is being totally neglected, so that a concrete effect would result from it. I regret to say that there is here a common point among all the Chabad* institutions of the Holy Land. It is only in extremely rare cases that tourists have made such visits and, even on those occasions, it is exceptional that anything resulted from them. Now, your institution has existed in the Holy Land for about ten years and other Chabad* institutions for even longer.

I do not know exactly what organization is adopted by the Yeshivah* Tomchei Temimim* during the month of Nissan* (note 3: The month of school vacations), but, early enough, you will establish a detailed program, so that there be no divergent opinions and last-minute disappointments. I send you my blessing of success in your sacred mission, to strengthen and develop the Yeshivah* Tomchei Temimim* that you direct. May Hashem* grant that this be so with true breadth of spirit.

M. Schneerson,

* * *

By the grace of Hashem*,

3 Adar* 5718,

Brooklyn,

Shalom* u'vracha*,

I have received your letter of 27 Shevat*, with what was enclosed and which has been transmitted to its recipient, in accordance with your instructions. At a propitious moment, I will mention your name at the holy resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe*, whose merit protects us, so that you obtain the fulfillment of your needs, in general, and the improvement of your state of health, in particular, according to what you write, as well as for your wife, may Hashem* grant her long life.

Regarding the thoughts to which you allude, I have already told you several times that there exists, for this, a joyful solution — that of learning Mishnah* by heart. This study and all others will indeed be joyful. If this is asked of all Jews and they succeed in it, how much more must this be so for Chassidim* and for those who have the merit of taking part in the strengthening and development of holy institutions such as the Yeshivos* or the Chabad* Kollel*.

May Hashem* grant that, very soon, you be able to announce to me that you are finally putting into practice the commandment of the Torah*: "Serve Hashem* in joy." And, this beginning will continue throughout the entire year, and then still further.

With my blessing to convey good news and for a joyful and radiant Purim* festival,