A Shul Named After the Rebbe’s Father

This week’s collection of letters about shul challenges, concerning Congregation Levi Yitzchok of Hollandale, Florida, a shul named for the Rebbe’s father. Most of the letters are addressed to the Shul’s founder, Mr. Moshe Mordechai (Marvin) Shuster and his wife Chana (Susan).

This Shabbos, the 20th of Av, marks the 80th anniversary of the Passing of the Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson.

In this week’s booklet you will find a collection of letters concerning Congregation Levi Yitzchok of Hollandale, Florida, a shul named for the Rebbe’s father. Most of the letters are addressed to the Shul’s founder, Mr. Moshe Mordechai (Marvin) Shuster and his wife Chana (Susan).

In an interview, Mrs. Shuster recounts: “We had a minyan in our house with complete prayer services every Shabbat, which eventually led to my husband buying a house and having it converted into a synagogue.” Around the time of the move (in 5741) the Rebbe gave his approval for the name of the congregation to be changed from Beis Hakneses Shomrei-Hadas – Chabad, to Congregation Levi Yitzchok – Lubavitch.

In the following letters, the Rebbe guides the Shusters through the challenges their newly formed congregation faced and defines its mission. In a letter written to the Shul’s president in 5745, the Rebbe draws on the life of the congregation’s namesake:

“My father of saintly memory, after whom your congregation is named, exemplified such real Mesiras Nefesh for the preservation of Yiddishkeit under the most trying conditions, suffering persecution and exile, and inspiring many Jews to follow his example. Here in the U.S.A. etc. G-d gave us the possibility to practice all this without any difficulties at all and many times – even with the encouragement of the environment. Therefore, I trust and am sure each and all members and friends of Congregation Levi Yitzchok-Lubavitch will be continuously inspired, too, to help make the Congregation a model of what a Jewish congregation should be like.”

Rebbe Responsa kindly requests anyone who may be in possession of letters of the Rebbe in English, to send them by email so that these unique treasures can benefit the public.

These selected letters are sourced from the extensive collection of over 5,000 English letters written by the Rebbe, accessible through the Rebbe Responsa app. May we merit the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu, speedily in our days.

Click here to download the booklet.

Click here for PDF in booklet format.

Click here to view all previous editions.

See also last week’s booklet in connection with this week’s Parsha and addtional letters concerning 20 Av.

To subscribe to the weekly publication by Email sign up here.