By the Grace of G-d 2nd of Nissan, 5735Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

With the approach of Pesach, the Season of Our Liberation, I extend to you prayerful wishes for a happy and inspiring Yom-Tov.

As usual, I would like to take this opportunity of sharing a thought with you appropriate to the occasion.

The Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad, noted that the expression "Season of Our Rejoicing," in addition to its plain sense, also means "Season of Our Mutual Rejoicing," namely, Jews rejoicing with G-d and G-d rejoicing with Jews. Hence, "Season of Our Liberation" similarly alludes to both the liberation of the Jews and the liberation of G-d, as it were. For when a Jew goes into exile, the Shechinah (Divine Presence) and, more specifically, the Divine soul within him, also go into exile, and true liberation must comprise both physical and spiritual freedom.

Actually, it is only the Jew's body that can be subjugated, but his Divine soul is essentially free. However, to give expression to, and actualize, this freedom requires constant effort, in view of external and internal hindrances and distractions.

Comes Pesach and reminds every Jew that if he makes the effort he is bound to succeed, for he has a staunch ally, namely the spark of G-dliness, the Divine soul, within him that constantly strives to overcome any obstacle or constraint that impedes its serving G-d with complete freedom and joy.

May the Festival of Our Freedom bring you too, in the midst of all our people Israel, a growing measure of freedom from all distractions and hindrances in your good endeavors - "Good to Heaven and good to the creatures."

With the traditional blessing of "Chag haPesach Kosher v 'some'ach,"

Cordially yours,

M. Schneerson