This letter was sent to R. Shneur Zalman Serebryanski, the Dean of the Lubavitcher Yeshivah in Australia.

B”H, 25 Elul, 5710

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of 8 Elul: As per your request, I will read the list of the students at the gravesite of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, for [blessings] for a kesivah vachasimah tovah for a good and sweet year, success in their studies in Torah [permeated] by the fear of Heaven, and the observance of mitzvos with both kabbalos ol 1 and happiness together.

The tidings — that a permanent committee for the maintenance of the yeshivah in Shepparton was established — are good. Certainly the members of the committee will recognize the great merit that Sublime providence has granted them to become partners with my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, in his holy work and they will dedicate themselves to their so vital work with all of their souls. Please convey greetings to all of them as a whole and to the chairman, ..., in particular, and my blessing that they succeed in their communal and individual tasks in both material and spiritual matters.

In particular, with regard to the structure of the directorship of the yeshivah and who the roshei mesiftos 2 will be, one should consult the seasoned members of the chassidic brotherhood in that place. I request that every member of the chassidic brotherhood who is fit to serve as a rosh mesiftah, mashpia, or director should be very careful not to exhibit misplaced humility but rather to try with G‑d’s help, to fulfill their missions.

Certainly the presumption of the chassidic brotherhood is correct; i.e., that even if it becomes necessary to take a scholar 3 as a rosh mesiftah, [he would be accepted] only if his fear of Heaven and his approach to Chassidus makes him fit for this position. Nevertheless, the head of the institution must be a person whose roots are in the heights of Lubavitch [tradition] and that is where he received the majority of his guidance and education.

[Regarding] your worry that if you are a paid employee, 4 you will not be able to fully express your opinion and it will not be completely accepted by people at large. I have already said several times that in these matters, each of us is the shaliach of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, and we are “riding on his shoulders” and can [borrow] his self-assurance. When people at large feel this, many obstacles are overcome and the undesirable talk ceases, as explained with regard to challenges (in contrast to the task of refinement). 5

It is self-understood that self-assurance does not mean “ripping off someone else’s nose,” but rather inner strength and steadfast resolve [based on the understanding] that ultimately we must prevail and carry out the Rebbe’s will — for he is the mishalei’ach. 6 Then when one speaks gently, his words will be heeded and have an effect.

May G‑d grant each of us the merit to focus on the truth when carrying out his task and mission.

Enclosed is the kuntreis for the coming Rosh HaShanah and an accompanying letter. 7

With blessings for a kesivah vachasimah tovah for you, all the members of your household, and all of our fellowship,

M. Schneerson