By the Grace of G-d14th of Adar 1Purim Katan, 5749Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

This year’s Annual Dinner is taking place within the Shloshim of the passing of my esteemed brother-in-law, Rabbi Shmaryahu Gourary of blessed memory, life-time Chairman of the Executive Committee of the United Lubavitcher Yeshivoth Tomchei Tmimim - his soul assignment which was conferred on him by my predecessor, my father-in-law the Rebbe of saintly memory, from the first day that the Central Yeshivah was transplanted on American soil, nearly fifty years ago.

As is well known, the deceased carried out this assignment with real dedication, and successfully, with G-d's help.

Obviously, the eminent Niftar would not have wished to have the Annual Dinner of the United Lubavitcher Yeshivoth postponed because of his physical absence. Indeed, spiritually he is even more soulfully present at this event than before. And it is certainly a source of great satisfaction for the soul to see its deeds in this world carried on, and even more vigorously, after it can no longer perform them directly by itself.

Now, apropos of the above, it is to be noted that this year has a special significance in the fact that it marks the fortieth year since the passing of my saintly father-in-law the Rebbe. The Torah teaches us that it takes up to the 40th year for a person to attain a deeper appreciation of the eternal values of Torah and Torah-related endeavors in which one has been, and is, involved.

This means that as from the 40th year one attains a higher level of "an understanding heart, seeing eyes, and hearing ears” to perceive the uniqueness of a Jew and of Jewishness. This should certainly stimulate every Jew, man or woman, to carry out even more diligently and more fully the assignment which HaShem confers upon every Jewish soul during its sojourn on this earth, in terms of - as our Sages express it: "Do it today; receive the reward tomorrow" - in eternity.

In light of all the above, I am confident that all participants in this annual event will this year respond with special warmth and dedication, to enable this eminent Torah institution to strengthen and expand its vital educational programs.

Here is an opportunity to express in a tangible way a well deserved tribute - and increase the special Zechus - for the soul of the Niftar, in addition to each one of you, too.

And since HaShem rewards in kind, but in a generous measure, every additional effort will bring forth a generous measure of additional Divine blessings, both materially and spiritually, and will also hasten the true and complete Geulo through Moshiach Tzidkeinu, speedily in our own days.

With esteem and with blessing

for much Hatzlocho in all above,

/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/