By the Grace of G-dRosh Chodesh Sivan, 5735Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to be informed about the forthcoming Annual Dinner, on the 25th of Sivan — the month of Mattan Torah, when the Torah was given to us at Sinai.

Mattan Torah has a special relevance to Jewish women and daughters, as has often been emphasized. According to our Sages of blessed memory, when G-d was about to give the Torah to the Jewish people, He told Moshe Rabbeinu to speak about it first to the women, and then to the men, as it is written, “Thus shall you say to the House of Jacob (= the women) and speak to the sons of Israel (= the men).” In this way, the Torah (meaning “instruction”), which is eternal, has given us an everlasting instruction, for all times and places, that Jewish women, mothers and daughters, have a special mission and task to help ensure that the Torah and Mitzvoth will always be “received” and kept with devotion and joy.

Also in the portion of the week, in which the Dinner is taking place, there is a distinct relevance to Jewish women in the Mitzvah of Challah — which is one of the special Mitzvoth that have been given to Jewish mothers and daughters; a Mitzvah which is connected with generous Divine blessings for themselves and the entire household.

Another Mitzvah which has likewise been given specially to Jewish mothers and daughters (including the very young who have reached the age of training in Jewish living) is the Mitzvah of lighting the candles to usher in the holy Shabbos and Yom Tov. We have had occasion to point out how particularly significant this splendid Mitzvah of candle-lighting is, not only for the mother and daughter lighting them, but for the whole family. This is clearly reflected also in the direct beneficial effect of the shining candles in the home and for all seated at the table.

The said Mitzvoth, together with the other Mitzvoth given specially to Jewish women — in addition to all the Mitzvoth which are incumbent upon Jewish women equally with men — underscore the importance of Torah-education for girls, especially in preparation for the time when each of them becomes Akeres Habayis, the ”Foundation of the Home,” the baleboste who largely sets the tone and pace for the conduct of the Jewish home.

This is what the Annual Dinner is all about.

The Beth Rivkah Schools provide true Torah-education to many hundreds of girls (may their numbers grow), to enable them to carry out their G-d-given mission in life, in the best and fullest measure. It is therefore an extraordinary Zechus for the friends of Beth Rivkah to be partners in such a vital cause. I hope and trust that all friends of Beth Rivkah will know how to express their privilege and responsibility, by generously helping the Beth Rivkah not merely maintain their educational facilities but also to expand them in order to meet the urgent challenges of the present times.

May G-d bless each and all of you, with your families, and prosper you in all your needs, materially and spiritually.

With the traditional blessing to receive the Torah with joy and inwardness on the Festival of Mattan Torah and throughout the year,

/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/