Guidelines for the construction of a mikveh

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Explanations concerning the marginal notes in Tanya

No. 542

This letter was addressed to R. Avraham Chein.

B"H, 9 Cheshvan, 5710

Greetings and blessings,

I received your letter which arrived after a slight delay. I mentioned the contents of your letter pertaining to my cousin[86] to my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita. He will undertake efforts with regard to this and will also be in contact with Rabbi Borack. Regarding writing to Mr..., I don't know what decision to make in this regard.

In general, the outlook of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, with regard to religious education as a whole is that only those who observe the Torah and its mitzvos should be entrusted with this [responsibility] and only they have the authority to make suggestions in this regard. This [approach]... is known from his oral communication and from a previous letter. What will another letter add?[87]

With regard to a particular institution or office, his outlook is dependent on the knowledge [he receives] regarding the character of this institution, the manner in which it operates, and the goals of those actually involved in directing it and taking responsibility for it. With regard to mentioning [the Rebbe's] outlook to others... [before this is done,] it is also necessary to be reasonably confident with regard to the character of those taking responsibility in the future.

What could I inform [the Rebbe] about the Center for Religious Culture? [I know] it was under your directorship in the beginning of Tishrei, 5710, and that at present you were able to arrange for a financial grant from that institution [to support] the classes of Rabbi Goldshmidt and those of the Gerer chassidim. I do not, however, know anything about the goals of the institute: whether it is a branch — or under the direction of — the Minister of Education or the Minister of Religion, whether it is connected to a particular political party or not, who has the deciding voice with regard to its activities, and the like. The time and the place we are speaking about is Eretz Yisrael and the year 5710 (1950); i.e., a time and place of confused values and, in particular, confusion regarding the spiritual values of many religious people. It is the greatest confusion that has existed in our time.

Therefore my suggestion — if the question asked in your letter is still relevant... — is that you should approach my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, directly, explain to him what is necessary regarding the character of the above institution, and explain the fundamental point of the letter you want him to write.... I am certain that if you were in my place you would do the same and therefore you will not be upset about this.

I conclude with greetings to my aunt (I wrote to her before Rosh HaShanah; my letter has certainly arrived), my cousin, and the members of your household. With wishes for everlasting good in all matters,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

As per your request, the page and your letter are enclosed.

   

Notes:

86. (Back to text) [Zelda Mishuvski, who was a cousin of the Rebbe and the niece of R. Avraham Chein.]

87. (Back to text) [It appears that Rabbi Chein was asking the Rebbe to obtain a letter of endorsement from the Rebbe Rayatz for the institution which he headed.]

Guidelines for the construction of a mikveh

Table of contents

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Explanations concerning the marginal notes in Tanya