By the Grace of G-d Motzoei Shabbos-Kodesh Parshas Yisro, 5747 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to be informed of the forthcoming annual dinner next Motzoei Shabbos-Kodesh Parshas Mishpotim and Shekolim. May it be with much Hatzlocho materially and spiritually.

Coming immediately after the Sedra of Mattan-Torah and its continuation in P. Mishpotim, the dinner event - especially in a Tribute To Maimonides - has a particular relevancy, for the Mishneh Torah of the Rambam, in all its vastness and comprehensiveness, is a digest of the Torah from Sinai.

Torah means "teaching"; it teaches and instructs the Jew how to live and conduct oneself in compliance with HaShem’s Will, with emphasis on action, namely, on the actual performance of Mitzvos and good deeds in the everyday life.

Our Sages of the Midrash explain that the Revelation and Giving of the Torah at Sinai was in a setting reminiscent of the first experience of children in cheder (Torah school). For the youngsters so pure of mind and heart, it is an unforgettable experience, permeated with awe and wonder, and with excitement and eagerness to learn HaShem’s Torah. This is the kind of feeling that Mattan-Torah should evoke, for it is not just an historical event in the distant past, but a daily experience, since G-d gives us, and we receive, the Torah every day, and every hour and minute of the day.

This brings us to the basic function of a Kehilah Kadisha (a Holy Congregation): To inspire and illuminate each and all of the members and friends, as well as their homes, with the light and life and joy of Torah and Mitzvos, and in a consistently growing measure, for there is always room for more goodness and holiness in the everyday life of a Jew.

With prayerful wishes for Hatzlocho in all above, and

With esteem and blessing,

M. Schneerson