Crown Heights is not just a special neighborhood; it is a neighborhood that possesses qualities of a general nature. Thus, the best possible services should be provided specifically to residents of Crown Heights. This community must be an example for all other communities throughout the world.

For example, the educational institutions in this community should be the best in the world – from kindergarten to yeshiva and seminary. The stores should provide a variety of products at good prices, with convenient services. The synagogues in the community should be a source of grandeur and splendor – "This is my G-d and I will glorify Him" – both materially (clean and organized) and spiritually (offering daily prayer services, Torah classes, farbrengens, etc.) The mikvaos in the community should be the finest. The appearance of the streets and houses should be exemplary. Public services such as the Community Council, the Representatives’ Organization, Hatzoloh, the Rabbinical Court, and the various free loan funds, etc., should be second to none.

In the summer of 5745, the Rebbe mentioned that the Agudas Chassidei Chabad Library should include books of all types in order to bring honor to Lubavitch. This principle – that the community should have the best of everything in order to bring honor to its name – applies to all other resources that should be available to the community, as well.

In the past few years we have seen improvements in building and construction in the community. Large, attractive educational institutions (such as Oholei Torah, the Chomesh Campus, the Central Lubavitcher Yeshiva dormitory, Tzivos Hashem, etc.), newly renovated synagogues and residential buildings throughout the neighborhood have sprouted in a fashion most fitting for the king’s community. We hope that this phenomenon will continue and increase, just as any matter of holiness should proceed from strength to strength, from good to better, etc.

This is what the concept of b’ofen ha’miskabel (in an acceptable manner) means. In order for a Jew to receive the entire message of chassidus, Moshiach, etc., he must see the king’s palace in its proper glory. If a visitor were to see a place unfitting to carry the Rebbe’s name, it would simply prevent him from accepting any explanations about the Rebbe and Chabad. This is the idea of b’ofen ha’miskabel – a path through which one can properly receive the message we want to convey.

The words of the Rebbe convey an astounding message about his relationship towards this community:

The Crown Heights community has a primary significance not just due to the qualities and merits mentioned above, but because it has a special energy which cannot be found in any other community in the world. A discussion in the sicha of Shabbos Parshas VaYishlach 5740 (Sichos Kodesh 5740, Vol. 1, p. 536 – "Yechi HaMelech," p. 24) concerns the establishing of a public fast over the length of the exile. This is how the Rebbe worded his decision to go along with the fast even though fasting is not emphasized in chassidus:

"Concerning the length of the exile of so many years…particularly, throughout the generations there were many Jews who literally sacrificed their lives in sanctification of G-d’s name out of love and gladness of heart…and even so, the exile continues. We are in a frightening and threatening situation, where the darkness of the exile is doubled and redoubled, both materially and spiritually.

"It’s been said [sicha from Motzaei Shabbos Parshas Chayei Sara] that although according to chassidus there is no need for fasting, etc…if the rabbanim decide to declare a part-day fast due to the gravity of the situation, we would join it.

"This is neither an order nor a command, and I am not sending representatives to the rabbanim to decide this. As was said then, I do not want to cause pain to any Jew, even the pain of missing one meal.

"But since there are rabbanim who have decreed a part-day fast, we therefore join it with all that accompanies it.

"Regarding residents of this community, it is understood that this applies to them, because the mara d’asra of this community has decided this way… And concerning those who reside elsewhere, whether on a mission from G-d or by Divine providence, who are thus not subject to the rabbinical decrees of the mara d’asra of this community – yet, since they are connected to me, and this is my conduct, and since I am subject to the authority of the mara d’asra, then this matter applies to them, as well. And probably they will let them know about this.

"…and all this is particularly relevant to Jews living in Eretz HaKodesh."

In this sicha, the idea that the community of Crown Heights has general relevance is expressed clearly; everything that happens here is related to everyone who is connected to the leader of the generation, who lives in this community.

The Rebbe emphasizes that the decision to fast is also relevant to those on shlichus in other locations, particularly those [far away] in Eretz HaKodesh.

One rav made the decision to fast – the rav of the community – and he was not publicly elected. The Rebbe’s communication about the fast was expressed to the entire community in a most extraordinary manner – "I am subject to the authority of the mara d’asra." The community should, therefore, respond to the decrees of the present rabbanim, who were elected by the entire community. The Rebbe shlita emphasized the force this possesses in his holy sichos on numerous occasions.

In another sicha (Shabbos Parshas MiKeitz 5731), the Rebbe emphasizes that the merit and obligation to assist in the strengthening of the community applies even to someone who does not live here, even if he lives overseas. To a certain extent, such people have an even greater responsibility than do the actual residents. Residents strengthen the community by living here, even without taking any special action. A non-resident can contribute only through actual deeds intended to help strengthen the neighborhood.

The roles of the residents of Crown Heights and the "emissaries of the king" are distinct: The residents of Crown Heights have merited the great and wonderful privilege to visit the king’s courtyard often, as it is written, "to dwell in the House of G-d all the days of my life to behold the pleasantness of G-d and to visit in His Sanctuary." Shluchim, on the other hand, display the greatest self-sacrifice by giving up this privilege ("zich avekgerisn fuhn 770"), traveling long distances in order to publicize the exalted name of the king – "And he called there in the name of Hashem, G-d of the world." The Sages interpret, "Don’t say ‘va’yikra’ (he called), but ‘va’yakri’ (he caused others to call), which teaches that he caused all Creation to recognize Hashem."

But both roles are complementary. When each side fulfills its obligation fully and faithfully, each has a part in building the kingdom of Melech HaMoshiach.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise to see what the Rebbe wrote: "I’m excited about Crown Heights...despite the terrible icy coldness of Anash regarding this."

So when they work in matters of the community and remove the "terrible ice," the saying of our Sages comes to pass – "I have given no greatness except for the sake of Israel."

Rabbi Yosef Reizes discusses his upcoming book about Crown Heights:

Rabbi Reizes: Many people have complained about the neighborhood because of a lack of knowledge, and this book fills that gap. The book reveals two things: a) specifics heard directly from the Rebbe MH"M via answers, instructions, and special sayings and expressions that testify to his love and adoration of the neighborhood; and b) various discussions about community leadership. The book discusses aspects of neighborhood concern, including such topics as giving honor to the rabbanim and fulfilling the relevant sections of Shulchan Aruch.

A shliach who is looking to show the Rebbe’s neighborhood to his supporters or one who is waiting at any moment for the Rebbe’s hisgalus, or even someone who hopes that the neighborhood will be able to satisfy his physical needs.

The book provides a large quantity of information on this topic. It encourages people to get out from the "terrible ice" in their relationship to the neighborhood, as the Rebbe expressed it.

This organization was created specifically to publicize the expressions of the will of the Rebbe concerning community matters since 5746. The Rebbe made it quite clear how to properly deal with the pressing needs of the community. The Rebbe explained that the elections are a vehicle for the community to express its opinion on how certain matters must be conducted, and encouraged the election process from start to finish. The book clarifies how this organization is based on Torah and brings the Rebbe’s will into force by revealing the necessity and importance of the matter.

The book explains this point at considerable length. If I could summarize it in a few words, the book defines how our organization has the most legitimate mandate possible. It represents the community and speaks for its residents in a number of ways.

The book suggests a solution to this difficulty, which in my opinion will solve the root of the problem. In addition, you must remember that it is impossible to solve problems magically overnight. Everything is a process that takes time. With the help of the community and the boundless prayers of the Rebbe MH"M, we can achieve amazing results.

You’ve touched upon a basic and important point. The fact that you have visited here at least five times in the last ten years while I have never visited your city at all demonstrates clearly that this is a general neighborhood and you have a part in it. You came here to see the Rebbe – and this just shows how much this neighborhood belongs to every chassid.

The entire aspiration of a shliach is eventually to bring his friends and supporters to this neighborhood. He hopes that not only will his guests not, ch’v, be embarrassed by the neighborhood, but on the contrary – that he will be positively impressed.

But that can’t happen by itself. It requires tremendous investment. Anyone privileged to be called a chassid has a part in the great responsibility of strengthening the neighborhood.

This is besides his obligation as a chassid to be involved in whatever the Rebbe involves himself. So when the Rebbe writes, "I am excited about Crown Heights," the chassid will automatically be excited, as well. The same principle applies regarding Yerushalayim. No Jew would think of saying, "What do I care about Yerushalayim? I live in London." Everyone who observes Torah and fulfills mitzvos prays facing Yerushalayim and mentions Yerushalayim in every prayer. We see how much this is relevant to Crown Heights, our Yerushalayim.

The Rebbe stated clearly that whoever lives in the neighborhood has, to a certain extent, an even greater responsibility to it. By living here, the resident strengthens the neighborhood. Whoever does not live here strengthens it only with special activities on special occasions.

With G-d’s help, we will sanctify Hashem’s name, the name of Lubavitch, the Rebbe, and the neighborhood. In the sicha of 15 Tammuz 5745, the Rebbe used the term "kiddush shem ha’sh’chuna." May we elect strong candidates for the Community Council and for the management of the Central Lubavitch Synagogue – 770. There is an answer from the Rebbe mentioning the privilege of serving on the Vaad HaKahal. I don’t think there’s a need to explain the tremendous merit and honor of being one of the gabbaim of 770. The Rebbe always emphasized that "gabbai" stands for "Ana B’Ko’ach Gedulas Yemincha" (Please, with the strength and greatness of Your right hand).

My personal opinion is that this merit applies not just to those who are elected; even being a candidate is a great privilege. Anyone who is a candidate makes the election process possible. The Rebbe said about the elections: "I am turning away from my pursuits..."

The Representatives Organization is discussing possible changes in the election format. Right now there are no surprises in store, but the community would be informed about any changes.

Matters of holiness will never be nullified. Even though it seems to be a secular matter, the Rebbe explains in the sicha of Parshas Acharei-K’doshim 5751 that secular business will not be nullified. Thus, certainly holy and halachic matters will not be nullified. The book explains how every representative institution is based upon clear halachos, especially those in which the Rebbe involved himself unceasingly.

In conclusion, I want to thank everyone who has participated in our organization, especially the deputy chairman, Rabbi Bentzion (Benny) Raskin; Rabbi Moshe Heber, secretary; Rabbi Tzvi Russell, treasurer; Rabbi Mendel Goldstein, in charge of taking of the minutes at organizational meetings. May their full salaries come straight from Heaven.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT AFFECTS THE WHOLE WORLD AND EVERY GENERATION

...AFFECTS THE WHOLE WORLD:

"Since ‘the Nasi is everything,’ every activity (particularly making peace, according to all its interpretations) in this neighborhood (the neighborhood of the leader of the generation, the generation of the ‘Heels of Moshiach,’ when the exile ends and the Redemption begins) affects the whole world."

(Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 28, p. 258)

...AND EVERY GENERATION:

"Therefore, it may be said that an activity in the neighborhood of the leader of the generation affects (not only the people of this generation, even those far away, etc., but) also the previous generations."

(Ibid., note 37)

THE LEADER OF THE GENERATION SEES EVERYTHING THAT IS HAPPENING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

This neighborhood is the neighborhood of the leader of our generation – "just as he stood and served there, so too here he stands and serves." As he [the Rebbe Rayatz] wrote following the passing of his father, the Rebbe Rashab, nishmaso Eden (according to which he ruled regarding himself), the leaders of Israel never abandon or are separated from their flocks. Thus, we find that the leader of our generation is also found in this neighborhood today, and he sees everything that is done here. He is not at all subject to the concept of "bribery"!…and he will do everything in order for this neighborhood to be run properly. All this will be done, as the well-known saying goes, specifically in a manner of kindness and mercy."