By the Grace of G-dIn the Days of Sefirah, 5736Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

Special attention has recently been called on several occasions to the subject of Chinuch (Torah-education of children), and in this connection also to the particular capacities, and the Zechus and responsibilities, which have been given to women in this vital area.

Inasmuch as the Convention is taking place in the days of Sefirah, there is also special relevance in time apropos of women and Chinuch.

The days of Sefirah connects the Festival of Yetzias Mitzraim (our Liberation from Egypt) with the Festival of Mattan Torah (our receiving the Torah at Sinai). This underscores the fact that the purpose of the liberation from Egyptian bondage was to receive the Torah, as, indeed, G-d had expressly told Moshe Rabbeinu from the beginning, that when he will lead the people out of Egypt, they will "serve G-d (receive the Torah) on this mountain." At the same time it also emphasizes that we can achieve true liberation only through the Torah.

In both events - the liberation from Egypt and receiving the Torah - Jewish women had a very important share, as our Sages tell us that in the merit of the good Jewish women we were freed from Egypt; while before the Torah was given, and before we could receive, the women ("House of Jacob") had to be approached first, and then the men ("Sons of Israel").

The meaning of Torah ("teaching”) is that it teaches the Jew how to conduct his daily life, from the most tender age and through his entire life. This is what Chinuch is all about.

And just as in those days in Egypt it was largely due to Jewish women, wives, mothers and daughters, that a new generation rose to the highest spiritual level to receive the Torah with na'aseh v'nishma (unconditional acceptance, of doing first and understanding later), so at all times, and particularly in the present time, Jewish women, wives, mothers and daughters, have a special role in the education of the children, their own as well as others in their surroundings.

I therefore trust, and am confident, that the Convention will take the fullest advantage of the occasion to deal with the subject of Chinuch and the ways and means of strengthening and promoting Torah-true education in both quality and quantity, by helping bring the utmost in Torah Chinuch to the utmost number of children, that should be reflected in the strongest attachment and devotion to the Torah, Toras Chayim, and its Mitzvos - which are the very life of our Jewish people.

May G-d bestow His blessing that the Convention fulfil all its expectations and more, both materially and spiritually.

With blessing for Hatzloch and good tidings,

/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/