By the Grace of G-d 2nd of Shevat, 5740 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Your letter of the 16th of Kislev¹ reached me with some delay. Subsequently, I was gratified to be informed by the Lubavitcher activists who participated in the Convention that it was both an impressive and stimulating event. Of course, as our Sages emphasize, “The essential thing is the deed,” and real Hatzlocho is measured in terms of actual accomplishments in matters of Torah and Mitzvos. And if this applies to every individual, how much more so in the case of a convention to which hundreds of young Jews have been brought together from different parts of the country. Thus, the fullest measure of the Convention’s success will be reflected in the actual results, in tangible deeds and activities into which the Convention aims, resolutions and spirit will be translated.

In view of your leading position in the organization and, especially, since you and your colleagues undoubtedly invested an enormous amount of energy, time and effort into the Convention, and “A person treasures his handiwork,” you will surely wish to see the Convention achieve the maximum tangible results.

Needless to say, the above will largely depend on the follow-up, as is customary in such a case. It would be highly desirable that every participating student, and especially the group leaders, should receive copies of the resolutions, with an encouraging covering letter that would stimulate the actual implementation of the resolutions to strengthen Jewish knowledge, identity and commitment among Jewish students in the fullest possible measure.

At this time, approaching the Yahrzeit-Hilulo of my father-in-law of saintly memory on the 10th of Shevat, whose life and work is surely known to you, everyone of us will surely remember his total dedication to the spreading and strengthening of Yiddishkeit, and how much he urged everyone to be involved in this vital activity.

We recall, particularly, that one of the first public pronouncements which my father-in-law made immediately upon setting foot in this country forty years ago was, “America is not different” -- not different from any other place insofar as a Jew’s commitment to the eternal Torah and Mitzvoth is concerned. And in keeping with the principle that “action is the essential thing,” he immediately threw himself into a determined all-out effort to make his vision a reality. How well he succeeded, with G-d’s help, in this vital task is a matter of open record, as anyone who is familiar with the American scene, as it was then, and as it is now, can clearly see, especially on the campuses of the colleges and universities in all parts of this continent.

With prayerful wishes for your continued Hatzlocho in all above, and hoping to hear good news from you,

With blessing,

M. Schneerson