By the Grace of G-d 5th Tishrei, 5736 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I received, with considerable delay, your letter of Elul 6, in connection with the Induction of your esteemed Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick.

However, a blessing is always timely, especially in the propitious days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which our Sages identify with the verse, "Seek G-d when He is found, call on Him when He is near."¹ This special nearness to G-d, the Source of Blessings, surely brings Divine blessings, materially and spiritually.

I am therefore pleased to take this opportunity of extending to you and the entire Congregation prayerful wishes that your association with your esteemed Rabbi be blessed with much Hatzlocho. Indeed, seeing from your letter the enthusiasm with which Rabbi Gutnick has been welcomed by your Congregation, I am confident that he will have everyone's fullest cooperation and encouragement to carry out his sacred duties in the fullest measure.

As is well known, a Jewish congregation is called Kehilla Kadisha, a Holy Congregation. To make this a reality, it is the function of the synagogue to inspire each and all of the members and worshippers to carry the holiness of the Mishkan Me’at ("Small Sanctuary") into their homes and homelife, in fulfillment of G-d’s desire v’shochanti b’sochom - “I will dwell among them"² - within each and all of them.³

Rabbi Gutnick has the additional distinction of being a Kohen, of whom it is written, "A Kohen's lips preserve knowledge and Torah is sought from his mouth" (Malachi 2:7). In addition to being the traditional teachers of our people, Kohanim have been also chosen by G-d "to bless His people Israel with love,"⁴ and these blessings include, of course, wellbeing and prosperity in every respect, materially and spiritually. May G-d grant that this be so for your entire Congregation with your esteemed Rabbi, and in a growing measure.

With prayerful wishes for a Chasimo uGmar Chasimo Toivo for a good and sweet year,

With esteem and blessing,

M. Schneerson