By the Grace of G-d 18th of Menachem Av, 5740.Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing!

It was with pleasure that I received the notification concerning the celebration. May G-d grant that it may be very successful in all aspects;

Especially as there are three special points related to this celebration.

They are: First and foremost, the celebration occurs during the seventh year, “Shabbos LaShem”, whose purpose, according to the interpretation of our Sages Of Blessed Memory, is, that as it is a time in which they (the Jewish people) are freed of their main occupation, that associated with ploughing, planting etc., they dedicate the time thus freed to G-d's Torah and G-d's Service, to the extent that the whole year becomes Kodoish LaShem — dedicated to G-d. Secondly, the celebration occurs on Motzoei Shabbos Kodesh, the twentieth day of Menachem Av, on which day the family of David, King of Israel, brought the “Korban HaEtzim” the “Wood Sacrifice”. Thirdly, the gathering is dedicated to the purpose of broadening the Kollel during the forthcoming years, the first of which is the year of Hakhel — “Gathering” — men, women and children. On that year the King would “Read into their ears”; it was as if they heard from the Almighty Himself.

In the spiritual service of G-d all the above applies even at a time when the Beth Hamikdash no longer exists.

May G-d grant that all the above add to the participation of all those gathered, and through them to the participation of all their acquaintances, Shlito, in the strengthening of the Kollel in particular and in the dissemination of the Torah and its Commandments in general, in a manner of constant expansion.

We shall all merit in the very near future the true and complete redemption and the fulfilment of the Law of Hakhel in its literal sense, in the Beth Hamikdash which will be built by our righteous Moshiach very speedily in our days, Amen.

With respect and blessings for success.

In anticipation of good tidings.

/Signed/ Menachem Schneerson.