By the Grace of G-dRosh Chodesh Sivan"On this day they came tothe Desert of Sinai" — 5748Brooklyn N. Y.

Greetings and Blessings:

In connection with the yearly Dinner that will take place this year, G-d willing, on Sunday the 20th of Sivan, 5748; I hereby extend my heartfelt greetings and benedictions to the guests of honor and all the participants In this gathering. May G-d grant that the undertaking will see much success In every detail.

Especially as this year is a Hak'hel year. We have discussed the subject of Hak'hel at length on several occasions. However, further elucidation is In place, since each Torah undertaking establishes its own independent blessing — and should be permeated with the spirit of Hak'hel In those matters which are specially related to it.

In the case of an edifice of education bearing the name "Oholei Torah" (the tents of Torah), It is self-evident that the theme and spirit of Hak'hel Is eminently associated with such an Institution, taking into consideration the Scriptural emphasis of Hak'hel: not only "Men and women - but specifically and especially — the young children."

The Hak'hel event is "Like the day the Torah was given at Sinai," which was the day when — so to say — the first Hak'hel in Jewish life took place. We may thus begin to grasp how each Hak'hel function of a Torah organization and educational institution should be carried out.

Our Sages o.b.m. gave expression to this idea in the short but profound adage: The emphasis on the words On this day — [they came to the desert of Sinai]: is to leach us that "the words of Torah should always be new to us, as if they were given today." This means that the approach to everything connected to Torah should be permeated with a feeling of joy, trembling, and responsibility — similar to the emotions felt by the Jewish people at the time of Mattan Torah — the giving of the Torah and receiving the Torah.

We may therefore confidently expect that the annual function of the Educational Institute Oholei Torah will serve all the friends of the organization, as well as the administration, instructors, teachers, mentors and students, as an important moment of serious introspection — to be translated into action; since "action is the essential thing" — to strengthen the organization both materially and spiritually; each person according to his/her ability and opportunities:

The men — the supporters of Torah, together with the administrators and parents — every Jew and his household; and the women — the mothers, the foundation of the home; and the children, the students, present and future,

So that all together, in the spirit of Hak'hel, will fulfill in the fullest measure the purpose and the goals that the school should and can attain, with G-d׳s help.

With esteem and with blessing for success and best wishes for good tidings, and to receive the Torah with joy and inwardness,

[Signed: Menachem Schneerson]