By the Grace of G-d 1st of Adar Sheni, 5730 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

"Auspicious events happen on auspicious days." The Annual Dinner takes place this year on the 9th of Adar Sheni - the historic day when my saintly father-in-law, the founder of the Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch in Montreal, arrived in America thirty years ago.

In this connection, it is well to recall the unforgettable words which the Rebbe, my saintly father-in-law, uttered immediately upon setting foot on American soil:

My coming here, with G-d’s help, is in order that I may, by the Grace of G-d, continue my work of spreading Torah and Yiras Shomayim, and my other activities for the benefit of our Jewish brethren also here in this land...(to create) a broad action for the revival of Torah study, that the Torah should illuminate the Jewish environment and the Jewish home (Sefer HaSichoth 5700, p. 5)

There were many prominent individuals at that time who expressed doubts as to whether the mission and task which the Manhig Yisroel and Nasi of our generation has set for himself can be materialized. However, far from being discouraged, the Rebbe only redoubled his determination and Mesiras Nefesh.

His answer to all the skepticism was simply:

"America is not different!" The Torah and Mitzvoth are as valid and vital for Jews in America as for Jews everywhere else. Since American Jews are also commanded by G-d to observe the Torah and bring up their children to a life of Torah and Mitzvoth, it is clear that the ability to do so has been given them. All that was necessary was a proper determination to do so, and a proper, earnest and heartfelt approach.

Now, thirty years later, one can plainly see the extra-ordinary Hatzlocho that can be attained with G-d’s help in the area of Torah and Yiras Shomayim and Kosher education - if there is a sincere will coupled with dedicated effort.

One of the best proofs of this is the Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch in Montreal, the pride of Canadian Jewry, and one of the strongest citadels of Torah and Torah-true education on the American continent.

I congratulate the worthy workers and friends of the Yeshiva who are partners in its development, I hope and pray that the Hatzlocho of the past years will strengthen their determination and redouble their efforts to enable this sacred institution to advance from strength to strength.

May G-d grant His blessing to you all, jointly and individually, to continue your good work in a growing measure, with joy and gladness of heart, amid affluence and Hatzlocho also in your personal needs, materially and spiritually.

With esteem and blessing for Hatzlocho and good tidings in all above,

/Signed/ Menachem Schneerson