This letter was sent to the participants of the meeting convened to support the institutions of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, Machne Israel, and Kehot.

B”H, the second day of the sidrah containing the phrase:
“I am seeking my brothers,”1
the 18th of the month of our redemption and
the deliverance of our souls2
5711, Brooklyn, N.Y.

With abundant peace and abundant blessing,

Among the institutions of paramount importance established by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, Machne Israel, and Kehot were exceedingly cherished by him. The vast endearment with which he held them was well known as was the interest he showed in every particular element of their activity. Every matter and issue [in which they were involved] was acted upon according to his instructions and with his consent.

Even in the last months, according to the instructions of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, [given] in the weeks before his passing, the efforts of these institutions have expanded and a new undertaking has begun — the educational activity in North Africa. [This undertaking enables] us to actually see how success graces the work of the hands of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ.

The circle of activities of these institutions in the field of education, the strengthening of Yiddishkeit, saving [Jewish souls], etc., encompasses all sectors of our brethren, the Jewish people, in all countries of the world. Obviously, all of this involves tremendous expense. Nevertheless, these institutions have yet to make a public appeal and they received their entire fundamental base of [financial] support from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ.

It is self-understood that from the time of the passing of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, the primary source of income for these institutions ceased. For more than ten months, a great danger hovers over them due to their lack of financial support.

The hour demands an immediate [response] from each and every one of us to remember the holy obligation and merit that is incumbent upon us and, most importantly, to actually do [what is necessary to] fulfill this obligation. [This means] to be one of those who act and motivate others to act, [using] our full capacity to strengthen these institutions in which my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, nurtured, cultivated, and invested his finest powers.

With thanks to G‑d, the power of the craftsman is evident in the implement [produced].3In particular, this is true because the craftsman’s hands have not been removed, Heaven forbid, from this implement. Just as previously, he would stand and4 lead, so too, now, he stands and leads.

As my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, says in one of his sichos:5 “At times, when speaking of a very inward and heartfelt matter, [the Rebbeim] would express themselves in Yiddish. As an example, he cites [Tanya], Iggeres HaKodesh, [Epistle 10, beginning] Hochiach Tochiach, [where] the Alter Rebbe writes the words: Gevald, Gevald!

“A person is obligated to use the wording of his teacher.”6 Gevald, Gevald! Until when will we keep silent? How will we justify ourselves? What will we reply to the question of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ: “Is this your participation in the work of my hands and efforts for which I sacrificed my soul?”

You are gathering together on the day preceding the Rosh HaShanah of Chassidus.7May it be G‑d’s will that your good resolutions and ardent activities in fulfilling those resolutions — [both] immediate activities and activities to be carried out in the near future — give Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, Machne Israel, and Kehot the opportunity to fulfill the missions which my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ, established for them. We will not be embarrassed, nor ashamed,8 for we will rightfully be able to say: We did what you asked of us.

It is obvious that this letter which is being written for the sake of this gathering is also directed to those who are not attending this gathering, but who are bonded with my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ. For certainly they appropriately appreciate his work and his activity; “the activity of a tzaddik for life, for all living beings; it is the soul of all those who are alive who are bound to his soul with thick cords of abundant and eternal love which will never falter.”9

From one who blesses you and receives your blessing for success in our shared work. To conclude with the wording of the master, my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, הכ"מ: “May we be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the study of Chassidus and the paths of Chassidus.”10

Menachem Schneerson