A recently revealed letter offers a unique glimpse into the connection between the Rebbe and R’ Mendel Futerfas during the years of Soviet rule.

Written in Russian, the letter contains warm New Year wishes and blessings for a good and happy year and is dated for the civil New Year. Seasonal wishes on such a date would pass without arousing suspicion, enabling the message to be conveyed discreetly. The letter would have been sent between 5716-5723 (1956-1963).

The Rebbe’s connection with chassidim behind the Iron Curtain during those years was handled with the greatest sensitivity. Every piece of correspondence was written with extreme caution, often containing many coded references and hints, as an attachment to the Rebbe was an offense punishable by years of labor in the Russian gulags, or worse.

The letter, sent by Rabbi Nissan Mindel on behalf of the Rebbe, is signed with the signature “M. Zeide,” written in the Rebbe’s own handwriting, as was customary in such correspondence, where the Rebbe referred to himself in this manner when communicating with chassidim still trapped behind the Iron Curtain. The letter reads as follows:

“Dear Mendel!
I congratulate you on the New Year and wish you a good and happy year in all respects. With heartfelt regards and best wishes,
M. Zeide”

In this letter, we see how the Rebbe was thinking of R’ Mendel and found ways, through careful wording and timing, to maintain that connection under censorship and danger.

The letter is being published as part of a forthcoming book on the life of R’ Mendel Futerfas, produced by the family and edited by Rabbi Yisrael Alfenbein.

Materials, documents, and related information may be submitted to:
[email protected] or via WhatsApp at +972 58-765-6197.

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Дорогой Мендель!
Поздравляю с новым годоми желаю Вам хороший и счастливый год во всех отношениях.
С сердечным приветом и наилучшими пожеланиями.
М. Зейде