Setting Priorities
In these dramatic—and traumatic—times, many of us are besieged by charities and appeals. We want to give, but to whom? And how much? The Avner Institute presents the Rebbe’s firm but gentle arguments to a pair of activists that involvement in the Chabad community entails financial, as well as spiritual, commitment, and may therefore take a certain precedence over other worthy causes.
With a special thank you to Rabbi Lipa Brennan.
Dedicated in memory of loving memory of Hadassah Lebovic A”h
“The donor’s real or potential effort”
By the Grace of G-d
Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 5734
Brooklyn, NY
Mr. I.I. Stone
200-11 N. Park Blvd.
Shaker Heights, OH
Greeting and Blessing:
I was pleased to receive your regards through [head of Merkos] Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, together with your check for which receipt is enclosed.
Needless to say, an unsolicited contribution towards our work for the cause of Torah and mitzvoth is a welcome encouragement and is sincerely appreciated.
It is an old Jewish custom to express some thoughts when the occasion presents itself. So, I will avail myself of this opportunity in the confident hope—based on our personal acquaintance of long standing—that you will accept my remarks in the spirit in which they are made.
I do not have to tell you about the vital, worldwide activities of Lubavitch. Nor do I have to emphasize the obvious that these activities could not be carried on, in all their scope and ramifications, without the active financial support of friends who appreciate the vital importance of such work. I may add that the importance of the various activities is not necessarily proportionate to their funding, as sometimes a very vital activity requires a relatively smaller expenditure. But, by and large, considering the global scope of all our activities, each requires very substantial funds.
Now, as a matter of policy, I refrain from making appeals for funds, and do not engage in fundraising, for two reasons. Firstly, in order not to prejudice those Lubavitcher institutions which depend on fundraising. Secondly, because public-minded individuals who are familiar with our work do not usually require special prodding on my part, and each according to his means and modus operandi comes forward to take an appropriate share in our work. There are occasions when I make an exception, where special circumstances impel me—for the benefit of the individual concerned—to suggest to him a major role in certain of our activities, but such exceptions are relatively rare.
Priority
In light of the above, I have also refrained from mentioning financial matters to you, for the said two reasons. Firstly, because you are involved with Lubavitch work in your community, which as I mentioned during our conversation, has priority. Secondly, because I consider you among those who require no prompting in this matter.
However, upon receiving your check, I had to take note of it vis-à-vis your role in our work. Let me assure you again that any contribution received, whether large or small, and whether or not it reflects the donor’s real or potential effort, is a zechus [merit] for the donor, since the money goes for the cause of Torah and mitzvoth; and it is gratefully and cheerfully accepted.
On the other hand, and this is something that is easier to present to a businessman, where, for example, a factor, or business is not operating at full productivity, and where much more could be achieved without overloading capacity and overhead—it would not be right not to call attention to it, especially among friends. I would, therefore, be less than candid and fair if—while expressing appreciation for your donation, and assuring you that it will be used for the utmost good, which will stand you in good stead—I were not to mention that it does not measure up the great zechus that ought to be yours by taking a share in our work that is more commensurate with your posture and role in Jewish life.
I trust that you will not consider this a disguised appeal for money, but for what it is—an objective evaluation, coming from a good friend, whose first and only motive is to look at the matter from the viewpoint of your best interests. At any rate, consider it as having read my thoughts.
I take this opportunity of expressing my pleasure at having heard from your daughter, who participated in the Convention of Nshei Chabad here, that you, too, were present later on. I was particularly gratified to hear from her about the progress of her children, your grandchildren, bless them. May they continue to advance from good to better and be a source of ever-growing nachas [joy], true nachas, which is Torah nachas, to their parents and grandparents.
With esteem and blessing,
[signature]
“For further fruit-bearing trees”
By the Grace of G-d
20 Shevat 5740
Brooklyn, NY
Mr. David Tuvio Chase
96 Highbridge Rd.
W. Hartford, CT 06117
Greeting and Blessing:
This is my first opportunity to convey to you my pleasure at seeing you at the Farbrengen on the occasion of the Thirtieth Anniversary [10 Shevat, yahrzeit of the Previous Rebbe], and to have you join in a l’chayim [toast] at this auspicious occasion. May G-d grand that it truly be “for life and blessing” filled with fruitful activities in the spirit of the ba’al hahilulo [deceased], my father-in-law of saintly memory. Especially as you are one of the pillars of the institutions and programs founded by him and conducted in his spirit.
Moreover, you have to your credit also enormous accomplishments in getting involved other prominent individuals in these activities. Indeed, by Divine Providence you are in a position of influence with individuals and circles which may not be so easy to reach by others, and where your personal influence, coupled with a shining example, can be most effective.
Since we have also just observed Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees, we are further inspired by the message that this day contained in the well-known analogy in the Torah, that “a man is like a tree in a field.” The function of a tree is to produce fruits, sustaining the seeds for further fruit-bearing trees.
May G-d grant that you should continue to go from strength to strength in all the above with joy and gladness of heart.
With esteem and blessing,
[signature]
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