By the Grace of G‑d
25th of Shevat, 5736 [January 27, 1976]
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Mordechai Shoel Landow
Greeting and Blessing:
Pursuing the same subject matter, this letter is written from a different viewpoint, hence it is written separately, and I leave it to you as to what you decide to make of it. You are free, of course, to give it whatever consideration you choose, with or without discussing it with others.
What prompts me to write this letter is the following:
Hitherto, the relationship between your good self and the students of the Torah Center that bears your name was that of benefactor and beneficiaries, i.e. the students have been the recipients of your generous financial support to the institution, though on the spiritual level I trust that you and your family have also been on the receiving end.
Now, reflecting on your present business difficulty, not only from the narrow viewpoint of economics, but also from the broader spiritual perspective, it occurred to me to make the following suggestion to you, namely, that it would be good for all concerned that the students of the educational institution, which was established and has flourished thanks to your initiative and munificence, should have a personal financial interest in your business. For this purpose it would be sufficient that each student have a symbolic share in your business to the extent of $10.00. [They would, of course, be "silent partners”, without "voting rights."] I do not exactly know what the student enrollment will be this year, but estimating it at 200, I am enclosing a check for $2000.00. Should the student body exceed this number, the amount will be adjusted accordingly. For technical reasons the check is made to the order of Rabbi Lipskar to be turned over to you for the said investment in behalf of each and all of the students.
The intent of this symbolic partnership of the students in your business is that it should bring an added measure of Hatzlocho in your business in profits and prosperity. There is, however, a prior condition to enable the students to participate in the business (and I believe there is also a connection between this and the present situation). It is, that a so-called "bill of sale" (Shtar Mechirah) in accordance with Halachic procedure has to be formalized, which has to do with the observance of Shabbos and Yom Tov - as Rabbi Lipskar will explain to you.
To give the whole matter further "formality," I think it right that the students should be entitled to a return on their investment. I suggest that it might be 1/10,000 of the net profit (for all student shares together) which should not be deducted from the financial aid which you give so generously to the institution. Here, again, I do not know if this is the proper return in this case, and I leave it to your judgment to decide what it should be. The important thing is that they should receive some return for their investment.
It is possible that the whole suggestion may appear rather "strange" to you. But I am sure you are not one to be taken aback by strange things, and neither am I.
With blessing for utmost Hatzlocho and happy tidings,
M. Schneerson
P.S. Needless to say, both letters have been written to you confidentially, but you are, of course, free to show them to and/or discuss them with anyone you wish.
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