By the Grace of G-dLag B,Omer, 5745 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

I was pleased to receive your letter of 11 lyar, reporting on your activities and requesting a blessing for the forthcoming Jewish Renaissance Fair.

May HaShem grant that it should all be with much Hatzlocho.

The date of the event, timed to take place in the days of Sefirah, is particularly appropriate, since these days of Counting the Omer link Pesach, the Festival of Our Freedom, with Shovuos, the Festival of our Receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. As you surely know, Jewish women had a prominent role in both these greatest historic events, as our Sages declare: "In the merit of worthy Jewish women was our people liberated from Egyptian bondage." And seven weeks later, when HaShem was about to give His Torah to our people, He instructed Moshe Rabbeinu to speak to the women first, to obtain their acceptance and commitment, and then speak to the men.

All teachings of Torah are eternal and always relevant. It is not just to pay a well deserved tribute that the Torah has revealed the important role of Jewish women in those days, but to emphasize that in every generation, and in every place, Jewish women have a vital part in the preservation of our people and in the preservation of the Torah - both of which are inseparable.

Moreover, having been given such an important role, it is in itself the assurance that HaShem has also given them the capacity to carry it out in the fullest measure.

I extend prayerful wishes to you and all participants for Hatzlocho in all above and wish you and all yours the traditional blessing: To receive the Torah with joy and inwardness.

With blessing for a happy and inspiring Yom Tov,

M. Schneerson