By the Grace of G-d 18th of Elul, 5719 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

I was pleased to receive your letter in which you write that you are about to begin your activities for the winter season, and that you have elected new officers. I congratulate the new officers and wish them, together with the membership at large, very successful and fruitful activities and accomplishments.

I hope and pray that all of you will draw inspiration from the present auspicious month of Elul, which is a period of special Divine grace and benevolence, and auspicious also because in this month and today is the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov and of the Old Rebbe, Baal haTanya and Shulchan Aruch, by whose light we are guided and illumined to this day.

It is significant that during this auspicious period we say Psalm 27, twice daily – "G-d is my light and my salvation.” The meaning of this is plainly that "G-d is my light" in all that I do; that the Divine light should penetrate and permeate even the material aspects of life. And this constant attachment brings about, as a matter of course, that G-d is also "my salvation"; consequently we continue – "from whom shall I fear?" for there is no room for fear and anxiety in such a case, and the Jew can truly devote himself to the service of G-d with joy and gladness of heart.

May G-d grant that your work be inspired by the message of this Psalm of David; that it assume ever growing dimensions and at the same time imbue the members and their households with the light of G-d, and with the warmth of Chassidus, in an overflowing measure, constantly expanding your sphere of influence.

In the merit of this G-d will surely inscribe everyone of you and your families unto a happy and sweet New Year, materially and spiritually.

With blessing