By the Grace of G-d 9th day of Elul, 5750 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing!

I was pleased to be informed of the forthcoming event, taking place on Sunday, the 12th day of Elul. I extend congratulations and prayerfull wishes to all participants.

It is significant that this event is taking place in the auspicious month of Elul, the last month of the outgoing year, which is a time of preparedness for Rosh Hashana and the entire new year.

We are also in the fortieth year of the passing of my saintly predecessor, my father-in-law the Rebbe.

The Torah tells us that everyone in the 40th year of his activities (studies, activities), attains a deeper knowledge, a keener perception and a fuller appreciation of the eternal values, in which he has been and is involved.

It follows from the above, that such understanding and appreciation calls for new dimensions in terms of one's dedication and participation in the ongoing and expanding activities and institutions that have been founded by the Rebbe and are conducted in his spirit and guidelines.

Moreover, the current year תש״נ, which has been designated as a year of Nissim (miracles), adds a further meaning to the message relating to the event. In Loshon HaKodesh, the word Nes (miracle) also means a flagpole, or banner, which is used as an effective means of rallying people together for a common purpose. And, of course, the common purpose of all Jews is to make this world a fitting "dwelling place" for HaShem - in our heart and mind, in our home and in our community, and in the world at large.

With all the above in mind, I am confident that each and all of the participants, will take the fullest advantage of the enormous opportunities that you have to expand and intensify your ongoing activities and programs of spreading and strengthening Torah and Yiddishkeit in your area and the world over.

With prayerful wishes for hatzlocho in all above, and for a good and sweet year, both materially and spiritually,

M. Schneerson