The importance of Chai Elul

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Sending packages to the Rebbe's parents in Russia

No. 129

This letter was sent to Rabbi Eliezer Karasik, one of the communal leaders of the Lubavitch community in Eretz Yisrael.

B"H, 9 Shvat, 5704

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of Kislev 10.

1. It is unfortunate that at the time, you did not know that our publications were not intended to be distributed without charge. It is our hope that with G-d's help, from now on, you will endeavor to arrange everything according to our instructions and to whatever degree possible, you will compensate for the past. [This is desirable,] because it is merely a lack of resources that prevents us from printing several texts.

2. Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch endeavors that in every country and in every school where Lashon HaKodesh[1] is studied, it be studied on the foundations of purity and holiness. With this intent, we have published textbooks and reading materials suited for this purpose. This does not reflect an endorsement - positive or negative - on the part of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch of the schools [which use these materials].

3. We would be happy to hear any accurate feedback which would be valuable to consider with regard to future publications. In any event, we are interested in hearing all reviews [of the material]. We would be thankful if you would inform us of anything which you have heard concerning this and from which type of people this feedback came: e.g., from those whose intent is desirable, those who seek reason to find fault with Chabad and with chassidim, etc.

4. It is very important that the committee for disseminating printed matter - both the teachings of Chassidus and also the educational materials and the publications of Machne Israel - be founded as soon as possible and begin working. We do not know who would be appropriate to carry out this work in an energetic manner while simultaneously, not disturbing any of the other matters in which they are presently involved. Therefore, we are enclosing a public letter [concerning this matter]. Certainly, you will all meet and choose those individuals most capable of this. Afterwards, please inform us of their identity so that we will be able to establish direct correspondence with them.

5. If, for whatever reason, the establishment of this committee is delayed, [we would appreciate] if you, yourself would be so kind as to notify us of the number of copies to send from every publication for the time being.

6. At this time, the printing of [the following texts] have been completed: the sichos and maamarim [delivered in] Chicago [during 5702], the sichos of Chai Elul vda,[2] (5703) Sifreinu, Vol. II, and Sifreinu, Vol. IV. [The following texts have been] sent to the printer: the commentary of the Tzemach Tzedek on the Mishnah (an offset of the original printing) and HaYom Yom, 5704. We are also preparing an anthology of the letters of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita.

7. Please inform us whether the Tanya which you printed is an offset copy or a new typeset, how many copies were printed, and whether you possess plates or the like.

Waiting to hear a response to all of the above, and with the blessing, "Immediately to teshuvah, immediately to Redemption,"

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Chairman of the Executive Committee

[P.S.] I would appreciate if you would give the enclosed letter to R. Chayim Yosef Rosenbloom.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) [I.e., the Hebrew language.]

2. (Back to text) [As in many previous letters from that year, the Rebbe refers to the Hebrew year in this manner as a positive omen, for this word means "rise high."]

The importance of Chai Elul

Table of contents

Search this book:

Sending packages to the Rebbe's parents in Russia