Igrot Kodesh · Letter 4355 — Faith & Bitachon

B"H

21 Iyar* 5716

Brooklyn, New York

To the leaders and members of the convention

of the Nshei* and Bnos* Chabad* Association,

in New York, may Hashem* grant you long life,

Blessings and greetings,

I hereby send my greetings and my blessing to the delegates, the members, and all the participants of this convention (see note 1), which will take place on Tuesday, 27 Iyar*. I ask Hashem* that this gathering know great success and that it bring the anticipated results.

We are in the period that separates Pesach*, the festival of our liberation from Egypt, from Shavuos*, the festival of our receiving the Torah*. This time is therefore particularly propitious for any gathering whose purpose is to strengthen Torah* study and the practice of Mitzvos*. Indeed, it is then that one prepares to receive the Torah*.

This period is therefore favorable for the work of women carried out in this direction. Our Sages* enumerate, indeed, the various merits of Jewish women during the two events (see note 2) just mentioned. It is said, on the one hand, that "it was by the merit of the righteous women that our ancestors left Egypt." Likewise, at the giving of the Torah*, Hashem* asked Moshe Rabbeinu* to address himself first to the women and only afterward to the men. For it is in this way that the receiving of the Torah* could be strong and immutable.

Each year, at this season, the divine blessing and influence are renewed, as they were revealed for the first time. Nevertheless, one must prepare oneself to receive it, forging the vessels and receptacles that will allow one to integrate this blessing and to make use of it immediately, and then for a long time afterward.

I have good hope that each one of you will meditate upon the immense responsibility incumbent upon those who have the merit of being attached to the Nshei* and Bnos* Chabad* Association, that each one will make use of the great possibilities and the immense means that the convention provides, in order to strengthen and broaden the activities of each chapter in general and of each member in particular.

Parallel to this increase in the profound work carried out by the Nshei* and Bnos* Chabad* Associations, one must also broaden their reach, with the aim of extending their influence among women who, for the moment, do not belong to Chabad* in the strict sense of the term. They will therefore be drawn into its circle and into its chapter, and thereby toward the living and life-giving wellsprings of Jewish practice, permeated with the deep warmth and clarity that Chabad* Chassidus* and its way of life provide.

No doubt you will establish a work program along these lines.

Hashem* will make your work fruitful. It will be realized and accomplished with success and joy, in good health and with much satisfaction — a Jewish and Chassidic* satisfaction — for each member of one's family and for oneself.

With my blessing for success,

M. Schneerson

(Notes in the original:

1. A full report and activity summary appear in a brochure entitled "First National Convention of the Nshei* and Bnos* Chabad* Association, Iyar* 5716," published by Kehot*, on Lag BaOmer* 5717.

2. The Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Torah*.)