By the Grace of G-d15th of Elul,1 5734Brooklyn, New York

Greeting and Blessing:

In reply to your inquiry (shared by many) as to what specific spiritual actions would be appropriate in the present days of Elul,

In connection, also, with the general situation in the world, and in regard to Jewry in particular -

The essential thing, which is obvious and clear, is to foster a resurgence of commitment to the general Divine imperative (with all that it implies to the last detail): "In My statutes² you shall walk and keep My commandments";

For, then - as the Torah goes on to assure us - G-d bestows His blessing in all that is needed for the individual and the community and, indeed, for our Jewish people as a whole,

Including much Hatzlocho in all efforts and actions which must be undertaken in the natural course of events, since the Torah declares that one must not rely on a miracle,³ and specifically requires "that you should do."⁴

The months of Elul and Tishrei⁵ are "sated"⁶ with many matters of Torah and Mitzvoth of timely relevancy. Hence, a special effort is indicated to implement and fulfil them in every detail with hidur and simcha (meticulously and with joy).

* * *

It would, further, be worthwhile, proper and good - in view of the special Hatzlocho that accompanies actions carried out in concert by many,⁷ and of the merit of the many (Zechus Horabim) -

To convene assemblies for the purpose of participating and uniting in: Torah-study⁸ Tefilo beTzibur (praying in congregation), and Tzedoko-giving,⁹ all three¹⁰ at the same gathering,

In which case we have the assurance that "the triple¹¹ cord will not easily break";

These being the three¹² things upon which the world (in the plain sense, as also the "small world," namely, man¹³) exists. And since all this will be done and Inspired by Teshuva¹⁴ with eagerness¹⁵ and love¹⁶, which began with Rosh Chodesh Elul,¹⁷ these Torah and Mitzvah actions will be particularly beneficial and illuminating. Including boys and girls of pre-Mitzvah age, indeed especially these children ”by whose pure and innocent breath of mouth the world exists."¹⁸

* * *

In these propitious days, when, in the words of the Alter Rebbe,¹⁹

The King (King of the Universe) is "in the field", and "everyone who desires may go out to welcome Him, and He receives everyone graciously and with a smiling face, "

May G-d grant that the above be the actual experience of every Jew and Jewess, particularly in carrying out the above mentioned activities with Hatzlocho, including the setting of an inspiring example to be emulated by many,

And may G-d grant also the fulfilment of the prophecy: "G-d does only good to Jews. .I place in the L-ord G-d my trust, "²⁰...

And "some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we shall call in the Name of G-d, our G-d," and as written before this, "He will send your help from (His) holy place.. we shall rejoice through Your help. "²¹

With blessing for good tidings in all above, and with prayerful wishes for a kesivo vechasimo toivo,

/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/