By the Grace of G-dErev Shabbos-KodeshMevorchim Kislev, 5738Brooklyn N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I am pleased to be informed of the forthcoming annual dinner on the eve of Yud-Tes (19) Kislev — the anniversary of the liberation of the Alter Rebbe, Founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.

As is well known, the imprisonment and subsequent vindication of the Alter Rebbe were connected with his dedicated activities to spread the teachings of Chasidus and to strengthen Yiddishkeit in general — which makes this historic day a particularly auspicious one for all similar activities, especially for Torah-education.

By precept and example, the Alter Rebbe accentuated the mutual love and responsibility of all Jews for one another, with particular emphasis on Torah-education of children beginning at their most tender age.

This is exemplified rather eloquently in the classic episode of the “crying child,” which has become a guideline and inspiration for all Lubavitch activities everywhere.

Briefly, it is the story of a child — the child of the Alter Rebbe’s son and, later, successor — crying in its cradle, while the father, engrossed in his studies, was oblivious to it. The Alter Rebbe, who occupied the upper apartment, and was equally engrossed in his studies, did hear the child’s crying, and he went down and pacified the child. Later he “rebuked” his son, saying that however preoccupied a Jew may be, even with the loftiest of matters, one must always hear the cry of a child and respond immediately to its needs.

This episode, which has been given wide currency by our Rebbes, the leaders of our people, from generation to generation, serves to remind us all of the first obligation of every Jew — to give priority attention to the needs of a child, not only in the immediate vicinity, but also wherever he, or she, may be. And if it is true of the child’s physical needs, how much more so its spiritual needs, in terms of Torah-education, so vital for the child’s whole future life.

My friends: Numerous Jewish children and youths in all parts of the world are crying out for Torah-education. Their cries of anguish may not always be audible, particularly when they are very young — in age or in knowledge — and do not realize what they are lacking. But then the pity for them is all the greater. For, although they may not consciously express it, their souls cry out more deeply and painfully than can be expressed by weeping and tears.

The Glasgow Jewish community is fortunate in that it has in its midst dedicated young men and friends of the Lubavitch Foundation who hear and heed the cry of Jewish children. This is why they deserve everyone’s fullest and most vigorous and enthusiastic support.

Though participation in this vital cause is in itself the greatest reward, our Heavenly Father, who loves His children most dearly, will surely also reward each and everyone of you, and your families, and the Community at large, with all good, materially and spiritually.

With prayerful wishes for Hatzlocho, and

With esteem and blessing,

M. Schneerson