This letter was addressed to Mr. Baruch Litvin.
ב"ה,
27 Sivan, 5711,
Brooklyn.
Greetings and blessings,
I was happy to read your letter in which you relate that you deeply investigated and became familiar with the situation of our Jewish brethren in the Holy Land. This is one of the expressions of love for one’s fellow Jew: “that the other person’s situation should truly be important to him.”
It would be a waste if the knowledge and the impression that you received would be lost. I would assume that you wrote down [much of this], or at least an outline [of your impressions]. If you did, I would appreciate if you would send it to me (with the intent that it be returned).
In all events, I ask you to answer me, if possible, concerning the following points (which I am listing in the order of the points you bring in your letter):
a) the impression of your visit in Kfar Chabad;
b) the spirit with which students from different educational institutions study;
c) data regarding the number of students that are found under the influence of the different [political] parties;
d) information regarding the spiritual life in the absorption camps in general and the educational situation there in particular.
e) You certainly thought about the Torah reading that we read just yesterday, [Shabbos] morning (Parshas Shelach), where it is written (Bamidbar 14:8): “If G‑d desires us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us; a land which flows with milk and honey.” But one condition is stated (ibid.:9): “Only do not rebel against G‑d.” Later, [the people had a change of mind and stated (ibid.:40)]: “We are ready; we will ascend to the place….” Moshe answered them (ibid.:42): “Do not ascend.” And for what reason? “Because G‑d is not among you.”
This is the fundamental point that I want to find out regarding the situation there. Do you have any information regarding this matter? Not information about the situation in the Land of Canaan, or even information about Eretz Yisrael, but information about our Holy Land, may it be rebuilt and established by Mashiach, speedily in our days. [That will happen] if Jews, wherever they are found, whether in exile here or in exile there,1 do what Mashiach specified when he said that he will come today, i.e., “if you heed My voice”2 (Sanhedrin 98a).
With greetings to members of your household and with blessing,
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