By the Grace of G-d Pesach Sheni, 5744 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to be informed of the forthcoming Dinner taking place on the 3rd day of Sivan, within the Three Days of Preparation for Kabolas HaTorah.

As is well known, the days of Sefira connect the Festival of Yetzias Mitzraim, the anniversary of our liberation from physical slavery, with the Festival of Mattan Torah, when Jews, both as individuals and as members of the "Kingdom of Kohanim (G-d's servants) and holy nation," attained true freedom. Each of these forty-nine days, seven weeks, marked a further stage in the preparation for Kabolas HaTorah, which involved both rectifying past failings, as well as steady improvement and advancement on the way to receiving the Torah with all its Mitzvoth.

This is also one of the lessons of Pesach Sheni, by which HaShem has made it possible for anyone who was unable to bring the Korban Pesach in its proper time, by reason of being away on a long journey, etc., to have a second chance to offer it a month later. Although the law of Pesach Sheni applied only when the Beis Hamikdash was in existence, the institution of Pesach Sheni also has an eternal message for here and now. It reminds us that "It is never too late to rectify a past failing." Thus, figuratively speaking, when a Jew realizes that he has been "a long distance away" from some aspects of Yiddishkeit, all he has to do is to make a firm resolve to turn back, and then he is assured also of help from On High, if that be necessary, to carry out his resolve fully, wholeheartedly and with joy.

As has often been emphasized before, Pesach Sheni also reminds us that even when a person knows for sure that nothing has been left undone yesterday, yet, upon deeper reflection, a person would feel that having grown older by a day, acquired more knowledge and wisdom, yesterday's level of accomplishment, by comparison to today's, was deficient after all.

Needless to say, the above applies in all aspects of Yiddishkeit, both one's personal advancement in Yiddishkeit, Torah and Mitzvoth, as well as helping spread and strengthen Yiddishkeit in the community, particularly through the support of Torah Chinuch institutions, among which Oholei Torah is certainly one of the most outstanding.

In the spirit of the days of Sefira, and especially in the spirit of Pesach Sheni, I trust all participants and friends of this worthy institution will take advantage of the occasion of the Annual Dinner, to respond even more generously than in the past, and help it carry on its vital Chinuch activities.

In addition to this being a "must" for its own sake, it will also widen the channels to receive G-d's blessings in a most generous measure, both materially and spiritually.

With esteem and blessing for Hatzlocho and good tidings,

/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/