By the Grace of G-dIn the Days of Sefirah,5728. Brooklyn N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

The Annual convention is taking place this year in the auspicious days connected with Shabbos Mevorchim Chodesh Sivan the Third Month, the month of Mattan Torah.

The Torah tells us that on Rosh Chodesh Sivan the Jewish people finally reached Mount Sinai, where they attained a state of complete unity, as indicated in the words, "And Israel encamped there” (in the singular person) - all of them as one, united and unified by the singular thought of receiving the Torah and Mitzvos.¹

The significance of that moment is pointed out by our Sages of blessed memory, declaring that the unification of the Jewish people was the condition for receiving the Torah.

It has been often emphasized that there are crucial moments in the life of our people, especially in the area of Torah and Yiddishkeit, where the Jewish woman plays a most important role. One of such areas is the unity of the family. Here the woman holds the main keys of harmony between the parents and the children, the parents vis-a-vis each other, and the children in relation to one another. In this area the wife and mother clearly has a decisive role, and in most cases even a more decisive role than the husband and father. This is one of the reasons why the Jewish woman bears the title of Akeres Habayis (Foundation of the Home).

It is likewise clear that Jewish unity in a broader sense - unity between one family and another, and unity on a national level - is dependent upon harmony within the family unit. Where harmony is lacking, G-d forbid, within the family, surely no harmony can prevail between such a family and another.

However, even where there is complete harmony within family groups, there still remains the problem of achieving unity on the national level. Let us therefore remember that the basis for true Jewish unity is the Torah and Mitzvos.

If throughout the ages it has been no easy task to achieve unity, the problem has become much more complicated in the age of ”freedom” in the "free" countries of the world, where people are no longer restricted in their choice of domicile, occupation, educational facilities, free expression of opinions, ideas, etc.

All these diversities and dispersions - geographic, social, cultural, etc. - are "by-products" of the contemporary "free" society in which we live. The newly created conditions have created new problems and difficulties, which, however, must be viewed as challenges. With the proper approach and a determined will, they can be resolved.

I trust that this year's Convention of the Nshei uBnos Chabad will devote the necessary attention to the said problems and their solution, without underestimating the manifold obligations and far-reaching capacities of Jewish womanhood in general, and of Nshei uBnos Chabad in particular. For, this thing is certain: The obligations placed by the Hashgocho Elyono (Divine Providence) never exceed the capacities and opportunities provided by the same Hashgocho Elyono, thus assuring their implementation in actual life.

The main thing is that the Convention should result in expanded and intensified activities, for the essential thing is the deed.² And may G-d help you in your work to attain the fullest measure of accomplishment, in joy and gladness of heart.

With blessing for Hatzlocho and good tidings, both spiritually and materially,

/Signed/ Menachem Schneerson