Free Translation

By the Grace of G-d

Erev Shabbos Kodesh’ Sedra Noach2
30th day of Tishrei
Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan,3 5744.
Brooklyn, N.Y.

To the Sons and Daughters of
Our people Israel, Everywhere

G-d bless you all!

Greeting and Blessing:

At this time, at the conclusion4 of the month of Tishrei, and in light of the adage in our sacred sources to the effect that the Hebrew letters of the name of this month — slwn — also spell the word nbwl6 (reishis) — meaning beginning and head (rosh)7 of the year, indicating that just as the head conducts all the affairs of the body, so the month Reishis determines the Jew’s conduct throughout the year, and the remembrance of the resolutions made in Tishrei during each and all days ahead “vitalizes” the particular day with all its activities, including words and thoughts, and inspires new enthusiasm, light and holiness flowings from the month of Tishrei — the head;

It is timely and auspicious to recall and emphasize, at least in summary, the significance of this month and of its outstanding festive9 days.

Each of Tishrei’s special days is in its own domain a “head” and a source of instructive teachings, while being also a source of strength and inspiration, for all the following days throughout the year.

These are: the acceptance of the rule of Heaven’s Sovereignty, with Yiras Shamayim (fear — awe — of HaShem) — the basic point of Rosh Hashanah; Teshuvahl — (Return) — the central aspect of Yom Kippur; performance of Mitzvos11 with joyl2 and alacrity,l3 to the point of highest expression of joy with the Torah — the main points of Succos, Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah —

All the above with strong, genuine emphasis to ensure that all the instructive teachings and resolutions will be carried out in the fullest measure, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in actual practice, since “action is the essential thing.”‘4

Thus every day of the year, from the moment of awakening,l5 begins with saying Modeh ani (“I give thanks to You, O King etc.), reflecting the”Crowning”l6 of HaShem on Rosh Hashanah and accepting His Kingship;

Saying it with such profound sincerity that will inspire and ensure Yiras HaShem the whole day, as well as Teshuvah, and to be expressedl7 in joyous performance of Mitzvos (the King’s commands), particularly Torah study, and all that with the greatest measure of joy, which are the central themes of Yom Kippur, Succos (and the “Four Kinds”)l8 Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah, as mentioned above.

Striving for perfection in all above will add strength to every Jew and unite all Jews through the one Torah given to all by the one G-d, and elevate them to be truly an Adas-Kell9 (HaShem’s community and people), and will reveal, that HaShem “stands”20 (with the authority of a King) within this HaShem’s, community; and indeed, He preeedes21 them with, giving them the strength and blessing to carry it all out with joy and in the fullest measure.

Particularly in this year, a Leap Year, and a Complete Year,22 blessed with the highest possible number of days — 385 23.

All this will surely hasten still more and bring closer the true and complete Geulah through Mashiach Tzidkeinu, with ease24 and serenity, with perfect peace and perfect serenity,25

In our own days, very soon indeed.

With esteem and blessing of success

/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/

P.S. If for some reason one has not yet put into effect all the above instructive lessons of Tishrei — it has been explained in various sources,26 also in regard to actual practice and Halachah,27 that a festival extends in some aspects for a certain period after the festival. In our case and in regard to these lessons — from Shemini Atzeres (and Simchas Torah) to the seventh of MarCheshvan

It may be added that although, generally, Heshbon-Hanefesh (self-appraisal) and the like is best done in private, it is very advisable in the present case to do it also at a get-together. For then the occasion offers the force of a communal, resolve, and there is also the combined Zechus of the many, as explained at length in Kuntres Heeholtzu Metitehem Anoshim.28 It would indeed be fitting to do it in a way that makes every one, man, woman, and child, a “hecholtzu me’itchem” person, a dedicated avant-garde — in the spirit of a farbrengen[29] — in fulfillment of the cherished prayer: “And may they all become one Entity, to do Your will with a “perfect” heart.[30]