By the Grace of G‑d
Rosh Chodesh Adar, 5728 [March 1, 1968]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

To the 26th Annual Governors Dinner Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch
Montreal, Canada.

Greeting and Blessing:

This is the time of the year when we read in the Torah those Sidras which deal with the building of the Sanctuary of old.

Since the Torah is eternal, its instructions (for this is the literal meaning of "Torah") are likewise eternally relevant. Hence, the "building of the Sanctuary" is something which can and should be carried out by Jews in every generation and wherever they live.

The eternal relevancy of the Torah has been pointedly emphasized by the Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch, by saying that the subject matter of the weekly Sidra has a direct bearing on the events of that particular week.

The connection will be apparent if we realize that the annual event of the Yeshiva, is in the true sense a project of "building a Sanctuary."

The essential aspect of the building of the Sanctuary was that Jews set aside some of their gold, silver and other material possessions, and built there with a holy abode for the Divine Shechina (Presence). In this way they brought down the Shechina to dwell in their midst, and with it came G‑d's blessings in all their affairs, both material and spiritual.

Nowadays the Yeshiva fills the place of the Sanctuary of old. The Yeshiva is a place where G‑d's Torah is studied and prayers are recited daily with devotion and self-sacrifice, substituting forthe holy services in the Sanctuary of old. It is a place where the Divine Shechina dwells, bringing blessings to all who have a share in building and maintaining this sacred institution.

It is to be hoped, therefore, that all participants in the annual event of the Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Montreal will emulate the spirit of generosity, coupled with enthusiasm and joy, which the builders of the original Sanctuary displayed. Surely every one of you realizes the great Zechus and privilege of helping provide a dwelling place for G‑d's Presence, a place from which the light of the Torah and Mitzvos shines forth and illuminates Jewish life near and far.

May the great Zechus of it stand each and all of you, with your families, in good stead, to enjoy G‑d's blessings in all your needs, material and spiritual.

With the blessing of Hatzlocho and good tidings, and wishing you also a joyous and inspiring Purim,