Last year around this time, I wrote to you about an ambitious endeavor which we had just undertaken – the acquisition of WLCC’s archive of video, audio and photos of the Rebbe. The goal: To restore and preserve the collections, and ultimately, to provide greater access to them – along with all of the video and audio of the Rebbe.

In the past year we have, thank G-d, made great progress with our Restoration and Preservation Project. In addition to absorbing, organizing and cataloging the new materials, we’ve:

• Commissioned a study by an outside consultant specializing in the field of magnetic media restoration. Working with our team, he drafted a plan for the restoration and preservation of our entire collection.
• In partnership with the talented staff at Chabad.org, launched a prototype site where you can find yourself going by the Rebbe for “Dollars,” identify others, and order a DVD of the moment. Thousands of people have been identified and hundreds have ordered their moment with the Rebbe on video at TheRebbe.org. G-d willing, we hope to add more images shortly.
• On the release side, we have produced, translated and released many hours of high-quality programming: Living Torah Volumes 24 through 37, The Early Years Volume Two, Tishrei with the Rebbe Volume One, and Reflections.
• Recorded over 70 new testimonies for the My Encounter with the Rebbe oral history project.
• Together with Chabad.org we are preparing for the launch of the online version of Living Torah at TheRebbe.org.
• Made available, in an easier-to-use format, all audio of the Rebbe for iPod.

Next Steps

These efforts only begin to scratch the surface of the full potential extant within the audio, video and photos of the Rebbe. In the future – until Moshiach’s coming and beyond – we envision these archives being more accessible, in more ways, to far more people.

But in the short term, the crisis continues to worsen. The archives are not standing up well to the test of time, and are melting before our eyes.

In order to achieve our vision of a fully restored, preserved and accessible archive, we need to work methodically, systematically, and strategically, toward our goal. And we need the funding. The entire restoration, preservation and access project, as planned, is scheduled to cost $3.8 million over the course of the next two years.

Our Request

We have undertaken this effort for the benefit of every Chosid – every Jew, really – including you and your children. The Rebbe is dear to every one of us, and these archives have the ability to help us connect with him and learn from him. In order to complete this effort, we need your help. As Gimmel Tamuz approaches, please consider a contribution toward our Restoration and Preservation Fund.

I know that you have many organizations – perhaps an organization which you yourself lead – to whom you have responsibilities and commitments. Nevertheless, this archive is a priceless treasure which, for all of our sakes, must be saved and preserved. We need to keep the Rebbe’s image and voice a part of our lives.

We are asking for your help.

A Special Opportunity

Recently, a generous philanthropist made a commitment to this project. We are pleased to announce this ambitious and visionary challenge-grant. Every dollar raised in this campaign – up to $1.2 million – will be matched one-for-one.

That means that your $360 makes $720, your $500 makes $1,000 and your $1,000 makes $2,000.

Here are some of the possibilities we’re asking you to consider:

• Restore and preserve an hour of footage for $360.
• Restore and preserve an entire Children’s Rally for $720.
• For $1,200 you can restore and preserve an entire Sunday dollars and the images of the Sunday of your choosing will be posted on TheRebbe.org for public access.

Please send us your contribution in the enclosed envelope, call us at 718-774-6000, or make your donation online at TheLivingArchive.org where you can also learn more about the restoration project.

If you are interested in additional donation and dedication opportunities, please contact me at 718-774-1800 x241 or es@jemedia.org.

Thank you for your kind consideration and have a happy and healthy summer.

As we approach Gimmel Tamuz for the thirteenth time; may we be reunited with the Rebbe physically, with the coming of our righteous Moshiach, now.

Rabbi Elkanah Shmotkin

PS In addition to the above, please take advantage of the numerous videos which are available to help you, your children and mekurovim learn from, and be inspired by, the Rebbe. Check out our selection at JemStore.com.The proceeds from every subscription or video you order support our work.