By the Grace of G-d 5th of Menachem Av, 5735 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

In these days deprived of joy in commemoration of the Destruction of the Bais Hamikdosh, it is particularly gratifying to receive the good news of your constructive efforts and accomplishments for Torah Judaism in general and Torah education of our youths in particular.

The sacred activities of Torah and Tefiloh (Prayer) give the Lubavitch House the status of a Bais Knesses and Bais Medrash, hence of a Mikdosh Me’at (“Small Sanctuary” — a replica of the Bais Hamikdosh), and according to the Zohar (III, 126a) of a Mikdosh.

This is most significant in these days, for it is through such activities as you are gathered to celebrate that the cause of the Destruction is gradually eliminated, and with it the effect, or, in the words of the familiar prayer, umipnai chatoeinu golinu me’artzeinu¹ — “because of our sins we have been exiled from our land,” etc. Thus every effort to strengthen Torah and Mitzvos hastens the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu and the Geuloh shleimo.

The most desirable wish and blessing that can be offered on such an occasion is that the present beautiful facilities should soon prove inadequate for the expanded Torah activities of Lubavitch in Minnesota and bring about even greater and more extensive facilities of this kind.

May we all soon see the fulfillment of the prophecy that these days of sadness shall be transformed into days of rejoicing, gladness and festivity — especially as your celebration is taking place on the auspicious day of the 15th of Av.

With blessing for Hatzlocho and good tidings,

M. Schneerson