A historic public letter written by the Rebbe’s father is on display in the Rebbe’s Library. The letter was written in 5679 (1919) as the first world war was ending, and the world was in turmoil. Notwithstanding the local challenges in Yaketrinuslav, the many refugees under his responsibility and other difficulties, Reb Levik nevertheless wrote this passionate letter calling upon the Jewish community to support those less fortunate in Eretz Yisroel through Colel Chabad.
The Colel Chabad donations logs of those years reflect significant funds coming from Yaketrinuslav (see picture) including funds raised by the Rebbe’s father himself.
FREE TRANSLATION
Letter of Recommendation
By the grace of G-d,
A dependable emissary was dispatched to us from our brethren Colel Chabad Vohlin in Jerusalem and in other parts of the holy land, whose eyes are turned to us in hopes of receiving material assistance from their brothers in the diaspora.
That which is well known requires no proof. Who is not aware of the great virtue of this important and immense mitzvah of providing charity to those living in the “land of life.” Particularly now, in a time of vast poverty, when the need for basic necessities grows from day to day, and the cost of living continues to rise.
There is no need to elaborate on this well known concept, which for hundreds of years has been established and rooted in the heart of every Jewish person. I will only encourage the hearts of our generous brethren in the diaspora, and anyone for whom the memory of Zion and Jerusalem is on his mind, to reinforce and increase with courage and purity, to strive to do and accomplish more in this regard.
The consecrated monies collected will certainly reach their intended recipients through the present emissaries sent from there, who are deserving in their own right of being brought close and welcomed with a delightful countenance.
Until the time that G-d has mercy on His enduring nation of Israel, returning our dispersed and comforting us with the rebuilding of Zion and Jerusalem by our righteous Moshiach, may it be speedily in our days, amen.
This is the desire of every Jewish person, including myself, who anticipates salvation.
Signed on Wednesday, the 19th of Shevat 5679, in Yekaterinoslav.
Levi Yitzchok Schneerson
