By the Grace of G‑d
21st of Shevat
Erev-Shabbos Yisro, 5726 [February 11, 1966]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

To the Participants in the Camp Emunah Reunion
G‑d bless you all!

Blessing and Greeting:

I was pleased to be informed of your forthcoming Annual Reunion. A reunion of Jews is always welcome, especially one that is designed to strengthen Torah education and Torah observance, such as the reunion of the great and happy Camp Emunah family.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Hilulo (passing on) of the saintly Rebbe and outstanding genius of Talmud and Chasidus, author of the monumental work Tzemach Tzedek (which made him so famous that he is called by this name) and numerous other sacred volumes. In addition to being the head of all the Chabad Chassidim, he was everywhere recognized also as the leader of the Jewish people. Busy as he was with his studies and writings and communal duties, he regularly took time out to spend with his grandchildren to encourage them in their Torah studies and daily conduct. He was equally concerned with the Torah education of all Jewish children, boys as well as girls, and strenuously fought to preserve the purity and holiness of Jewish education and upbringing.

None of us can match his greatness and dedication, but each one of us can and must follow his example to the best of our ability.

In this connection, Jewish girls and women have a special duty and privilege, as indicated in this week's Sidrah of Mattan Torah. For, when G‑d was about to give the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, He told Moshe Rabbeinu to speak about it first to the "house of Yaakov" (the women) and then to the "sons of Yisroel" (the men).

I hope and pray that this year's Reunion will serve as a source of lasting inspiration to each and every one of you, to make full use of your youthful enthusiasm and energy in the abovementioned direction. And may you also be a living example and active inspiration to others. All this is a "must" for its own sake, being the will and command of G‑d; but it is also the channel through which to receive a constant flow of G‑d's blessings to you and all your dear ones, in all your needs.

With blessing,