By the Grace of G-d Lag B'Omer, 5742 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I am pleased to extend congratulations and prayerful wishes to each and all of you on this important milestone. May the event be blessed with Hatzlocho in every respect.

It is significant that it is taking place in the week of the Sedra B'ha'alosecho es haneros, for there is a connection between the two.

The Sedra derives its name from the Divine commandment given to Aharon Hakohen to light the lamps of the seven-branched Menorah in the Beis Hamikdas, as a Ner Tamid, a “perpetual light”.

Our sages tell us that in addition to the plain meaning of the words, the said instruction contains also a deeper meaning, namely, the duty and privilege of every Jew – being a member of the people that has been designated by G-d since receiving His Torah as a "Kingdom of Kohanim (G-d's servants)" – to kindle every Jewish Neshomo ("G-d’s Lamp") with the light of Torah and Mitzvos.

This is precisely what the Hebrew Academy-Lubavitch is doing. Thus, the Bar Mitzvah Celebration offers everyone of you and your friends a wonderful opportunity to participate in the “lamp-lighting” activity to keep the light of the Torah shining brightly in your community. I trust everyone will respond generously now that this Worthy Torah institution is entering upon the next milestone with renewed dedication and resolve to serve the community in the fullest possible measure.

Wishing you Hatzlocho in all above, thereby also widening the channels to receive G-d's blessing in all needs, materially and spiritually,

With esteem and blessing

M. Schneerson