By the Grace of G-dRosh Chodesh Kislev, 5749Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

It is particularly fitting that the Dinner event is taking place on the first day of Chanukah.

The Chanukah message speaks to us through the Chanukah lights that we kindle each night of Chanukah in increasing numbers, with an added light from the second night on. The Chanukah lights are required to be lit in a prominent place in the home from which they can be seen both in the home and outside.

Bearing in mind that the Chanukah lights symbolize the light of Torah and Mitzvot (Ner Mitzvah v'Torah Or¹), the message is clear: spread the light of Yiddishkeit, Torah and Mitzvot in a consistently growing measure and intensity, both in your home and in the community at large, including also those who may think themselves "outsiders" in terms of living Yiddishkeit. I say "may think," because deep inside, a Jew is always attached to his/her Jewish roots.

This year, moreover, the above message receives an added dimension from the fact that it is a Jewish Leap Year, with an added month of 30 days. The underlying reason for this intercalation is to reconcile the Lunar Year (the basis of our Jewish Calendar) with the Solar Year (which is by some 11 days longer), so that our Festivals would occur in their proper season (Pesach in the spring, etc.). But there is also a symbolic lesson that goes with it: We are given the ability and opportunity to make up for past deficiencies, and even more than that - just as the leap year, with an added month surpasses by many days not only a regular Lunar Year, but also a Solar Year.

Lastly, but not least, the current year has been designated as the "Year of the Child" - to increase awareness of the many, many Jewish children who hardly have any knowledge of their heritage. We owe it to them, and to Jews of all ages who are relatively young in terms of Jewish experience, to reach out to them and bring them closer to Yiddishkeit.

With prayerful wishes to the worthy chairmen, distinguished honorees, and all participants for success in all above, as well as in personal affairs, and for a bright and happy Chanukah.

With esteem and blessing,