By the Grace of G-d In the Days of Sefirah 5728. Brooklyn, N.Y.
To All Participants in the
Annual Dinner of the
Oholei Torah Institute
G-d bless you –
Greeting and Blessing
The current days of Sefirah ("Counting of the Omer") are particularly auspicious and timely for the Annual Dinner of the Oholei Torah Institute.
As is well known, the days of Sefirah are days of preparation for Receiving the Torah. They bring to mind the first time Jews counted the days and weeks, from the time they were liberated from Egypt to the day when the Torah was given at Sinai.1 And while they eagerly counted each day, they came closer to Sinai, not only geographically, but also mentally and spiritually. By the time they came to Sinai, they had completely shed the bad influences and habits that had clung to them during centuries of bondage and they were ready and worthy to receive the Torah. Yet, as our Sages tell us, they were not entrusted with the Torah until they had offered the children as guarantors that the Torah would be kept and cherished forever.2
Thus, we are reminded every year at this time that it is not enough that we ourselves, the older generation, strengthen and reaffirm our love and loyalty for the Torah and Mitzvoth. We must make sure that the children will be able to fulfill their obligation as the guarantors for the preservation of the Torah: to learn it, and love it, and, above all, live it in the daily life.
The Oholei Torah Institute has established an admirable position in the field of Torah-true education. It deserves the utmost support of everyone who understands that the Torah and Mitzvoth are the very life-line of our people.
It is to be hoped, therefore, that the inspiration of the pre-sent days of Sefirah will find adequate and tangible expression in generous support to this worthy Torah institution, to enable it to continue and expand its Torah education, and produce ever more and more faithful Torah "guarantors."
May the Zechus of it stand each and all of you in good stead, to be blessed with all the blessings, material and spiritual, which have been promised to the supporters of the Torah.
With esteem and with blessing for Hatzlocho,
/Signed/ Menachem Schneerson
Notes and sources
This letter is published in Yiddish in Igros Kodesh, vol. 25, letter 9495.
1) Medrash cited by the Ran on the end of Pesachim.
2) Shir HaSirim Rabba, sec. 1, 4:1; Tanchuma, Vayigash, sec. 2.
Source: Photocopy of Original.
Published: Rebbe Responsa Exclusive.
Note: Although this letter is titled “Free Rendition,” letters sent on the Rebbe’s stationery were looked over and often edited by the Rebbe.