By the Grace of G-dMotzoei Shabbos Mevorchim Nissan, 5731Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

There is a special relevance in the fact that the Annual Dinner is timed to take place at the beginning of the month of Nissan, which we have just blessed, and which is highlighted by the Festival of Pesach, the "Season of Our Freedom."

The Torah insists that Pesach should coincide with the month of Nissan, the "Month of Spring."¹ The significance of this "coincidence" is that there is a close parallel between the Festival of Our Freedom and the season of the year, when Nature itself emerges from the restraints and "bondage" in which it was held during winter.

The lesson from the above, for each and everyone of us, is that we must always strive to free ourselves from the things which hinder and restrain our true Jewish nature in its fullest development. For there are unavoidable limitations and hindrances, both internal – instincts and habits, as well as external – social pressures and influences. These must be overcome if our true Jewish nature, which is inseparably linked with Torah and Mitzvos, is to be free to flourish and come to fruition in the fullest measure.

Pesach, the Season of Our Freedom, promises us that such freedom is within our possibility – with G-d’s help, provided we are firmly resolved to free ourselves.

But, as in the case of the Spring season, when Nature comes to life only because of the seeds and plants that are already in the soil, so it is necessary to plant and cultivate the seeds of Torah and Mitzvos from childhood to adolescence, and continually thereafter.

This is precisely the work of the Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and of Chabad-Lubavitch in your community, as in other communities the world over.

The Annual Dinner provides a special opportunity to participate in this vital work in a tangible way, and thus to help many Jewish children and adults to attain true freedom, which is the freedom that comes with adherence to the Torah and Mitzvos in the daily life.

I send my prayerful wishes to all of you who are fortunate to have a share in this vital work, to go from strength to strength in these endeavors, and to inspire others to follow your example. And may the Festival of Our Freedom bring you and yours, in the midst of all our people, freedom from all negative aspects and hindrances, materially and spiritually, so as to be able to serve G-d with joy and gladness of heart, and to merit the fulfillment of your heart’s desires for good.

With esteem and blessing,

M. Schneerson