A discussion of the different opinions regarding the order of the lighting of the lamps of the Menorah in the Beis HaMikdash

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The importance of studying the teachings of the Rebbe Rayatz; explanations regarding the source for the custom of Hakkafos; the containers in which meal-offerings were brought; the possibility of seeing an elephant pass through a needle hole in one's dreams

No. 555

This letter was addressed to R. Moshe Gurarie, one of the active members of the Chabad community in Eretz Yisrael.

B"H, 14 Teves, 5710

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter concerning the education of the children who are presently making aliyah to our Holy Land.[186] We have been contemplating this dilemma here for several months. There were meetings together with my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita. With regard to the activities that Agudas Chassidei Chabad should undertake in this regard, what appears necessary, in my humble opinion, in order to resolve that problem, are buildings, counselors, directors (in particular, one man who will be responsible for this project), and money for the expenses.

Now, as is true with regard to any matter that one intends to be an ongoing endeavor, it is proper to begin with small activities, i.e., several tens of boys and girls. As the actual work proceeds, one will be able to discern the ways it can be expanded and increased.

But even for this [beginning stage], all of the above-mentioned factors are necessary. The question is thus: Do you have a person who is appropriate [for the task], and does he want to undertake the responsibility for all the above (obviously, in return for a wage that is standard [for such a position])? Do you have counselors who are fitting? Do you have a building that is ready or one that requires only minor improvements and renovations? [If those conditions are met,] we will then provide the expenses necessary for the initial weeks from here.

I emphasize "the initial weeks," because according to the discussions that [I have had] here with several of the communal leaders responsible [for activities] in Eretz Yisrael, when there is an educational institution whose directors are fitting, it is clear that a branch of Aliyas HaNoar[187] and/or other [similar organizations] will provide a regular subsidy for every boy and girl. And it is more or less certain that they will designate a sum for the maintenance of the facility. It is obvious that the beginning [of these activities] must involve children who are of the age eligible for the program from Aliyas HaNoar that are presently found in the transit camps.

It is unnecessary to elaborate on the great importance of these efforts in general and the great esteem that this could bring to Agudas Chassidei Chabad. Similarly, if only the efforts will be begun by a fitting and dedicated person, there is no doubt that these [efforts] will serve as a broad-based medium for expansion and benefits that cannot be foreseen at the outset.

With regard to your suggestion that a fundraising campaign be initiated from the Holy Land for this project and that letters [of endorsement] should be received from the Chief Rabbinate: In addition to the fact that this is a very prolonged undertaking, the appropriate circumstances for arranging a fundraising campaign are becoming more difficult from day to day. Even the fundraising campaigns that have already been established from long ago have suffered and are struggling for their existence. Beginning a fundraising campaign nullifies the possibility of receiving support from [other] institutions. And most important: Which member of the chassidic brotherhood is capable and experienced in fundraising?

I conclude with greetings to all those who seek our welfare and am awaiting your response to all the above,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

186. (Back to text) [At this time, many Jewish children, primarily from Middle Eastern communities, were being brought to Eretz Yisrael and there were not appropriate Torah educational institutions capable of accommodating them.]

187. (Back to text) [The division of the Israeli government immigration office that dealt with youth.]

A discussion of the different opinions regarding the order of the lighting of the lamps of the Menorah in the Beis HaMikdash

Table of contents

Search this book:

The importance of studying the teachings of the Rebbe Rayatz; explanations regarding the source for the custom of Hakkafos; the containers in which meal-offerings were brought; the possibility of seeing an elephant pass through a needle hole in one's dreams