By the Grace of G-d Erev Shabbos Mevorchim Menachem Av, 5733 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Following the letter of 15th of Tammuz, and as we are now approaching Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av and the "Nine Days"–

Which emphasize even more particularly the special lesson of all the "Three Weeks,"¹

Namely, that "Because of our sins we have been exiled from our land, and our Beth Hamikdosh was destroyed, "²

From which it follows that Teshuva (repentance of the sins)³ coupled with learning Torah and observing the Mitzvos will immediately bring our true and complete Geulo through Moshiach Tzidkeinu–

I come herewith to again remind and urge you about the special Zechus which Jewish children have in all this,

As can also be seen from the commands of our Sages of blessed memory right in the beginning of Medrash Eicho,⁴ speaking of the excellence of Jerusalem which had been "Great among the nations" – great in virtues and wisdom. And they go on to relate seven stories about the wisdom of the children of Jerusalem, of a small boy and a small girl, and again about a small boy, and so on, with two more stories about the wisdom of pupils at school –

Be it noted that in the Medrash, as in all parts of Torah, there are no superfluous words, G-d forbid, and that every story and matter, even every word, is meaningful and sacred.

The Sages also relate⁵ that there had been in Jerusalem 480 schools for beginners learning the Holy Scriptures, and 480 schools for students learning Mishnah, and 480 more schools for the study of the Talmud.

The purpose of all these narratives is also, to impress upon each and every Jewish child, boy and girl, to do all that is up to them, to be like those wise children of Jerusalem – through diligence and devotion in learning Torah, and the learning producing the proper action in the daily conduct and living in accord with the Torah.

Especially in these days which remind us of the Destruction and its cause ("our sins") – there is even a greater need to study more Torah and observe more Mitzvoth, especially Tzedoko, including the day of Tisha b'Av (studying those sections of Torah which are permitted on that day⁶).

May G-d grant that all of us, in the midst of all our people Israel, should very soon merit to see the fulfillment of the Divine promise, given by "Hashem Elokim, the G-d of Israel, Who Alone Works Wonders".⁷ "Zion shall be redeemed through Mishpot (Torah) and its returnees through Tzedoko,"⁸

And these days will be transformed into days of gladness and joy.⁹

With blessing for good tidings,

/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/