By the Grace of G-d Rosh Chodesh Iyar, 5743 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Since the Convention is taking place in the week that begins with Lag B’Omer, the inspiration, which that day brings, will surely still be fresh in your minds.

One of the main aspects of Lag B'Omer, on account of which this day has been distinguished as a joyous day in the midst of the Sefira period, is connected with the great Tanna (Sage) Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (RASHBY).

The story of Rashby's persecution by the Roman rulers for promoting Torah and Yiddishkeit, and of having to hide in a cave for 12-13 years, is well known. The Talmud¹ relates that when he finally was able to come out of his hiding place, his first question was whether there was some situation in which he could bring some relief to Jews in trouble. He was told of a place where Kohanim had to make a roundabout way, because there was a suspicion that a dead body might be buried along a section of the path. Rashby immediately threw himself into the problem, worked at it personally, until he was able to determine that the Kohanim were permitted to walk straight on along that path.

This seemingly simple story which the Torah, Toras-Chayim ("instruction in life"), relates, contains a profound lesson -

In addition to the obvious one, namely, showing how deep and selfless was Rashby's Ahavas-Yisroel (love for fellow-Jew). For, after having been isolated from his family and disciples for 12-13 years and finally regaining freedom, the first thing he thinks of is to help a fellow-Jew in some distress, and he does not rest until he actually carries it out.

The deeper lesson of it lies in the fact that after all those long years, when Rashby is ready to start life anew and continue his work for Klal Yisroel - he does not look for, nor does he sit back and wait for, some world-shaking achievement, but sets out immediately to help a few neighboring Jews, and only a segment of them (kohanim, and not even all kohanim, but only those who had to take that path), in order to save them some time and some energy!

The lesson is this: There are individuals who are preoccupied with thoughts and ideas of some colossal achievement, in areas that are beyond their reach, wherein they cannot possibly accomplish anything. In the meantime they let opportunities slip by, wherein they could accomplish things, be it even to help one individual Jew, or one single child, either materially or spiritually, or in both areas. And when the thought does occur to such an individual to do something practical, the Yetzer tells him, "What good will it do to have one Jew do this one Mitzva?" - And if this does not sound convincing enough, the seducer will whisper into his ear, "But surely such an 'ordinary' thing anyone else, even one who is not of the same calibre as you, can do it; while a person of your standing should think of greater things, " etc. etc.

What can happen to an individual could happen also to a group, small or large, particularly when people assemble together for a Convention and the like, and the agenda and discussions are taken up with lofty ideas and plans sometimes remain in the world of thought, and do not come down to earth in concrete action.

So Rashby teaches us: This is not the way! But everyone, man and woman, should and must do what he, or she, can do in actual deed, even if it may seem that it is not such a great accomplishment; for the truth is that any and every help to a fellow-Jew, be it small or great, is indeed a great accomplishment, in keeping with the Great Principle of our Torah - v'ohavto Ire’acho komocho;

Particularly in the present challenging times, when so many Jews not only have to face the inconvenience of a "detour", but are actually lost and confused, hoping that someone would have the compassion to stretch out a hand to them and show them the right way.

May HaShem grant that the Convention should act, and move others to action, in keeping with the spirit and teaching of the Rashby as emphasized above, and in a manner of L'Chatchila Ariber ("going over the top in the first place"). And the Almighty will surely be matzliach in this, as well as in all one's needs, including one’s family, also in a manner of l'chatchila ariber, both materially and spiritually.²

With blessing for much Hatzlocho and good tidings in all above,

/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/