Anti-Establishment

By the Grace of G-d
24th of Teves, 5729

Brooklyn, N. Y.
To All Participants in the Dedication of the New Youth Center
Oak Park, Michigan
Greeting and Blessing:

I was very gratified indeed to be informed by your distinguished co-chairmen, Mr. Yitzchok Starr and Mr. Chaim Karp, of the forthcoming Dedication of the joint New Youth Center, attached to the Lubavitcher Shul.

The occasion is particularly significant, for we are all aware of the fearful confusion and insecurity troubling the ranks of youths in this country and elsewhere. This is expressed in rebelliousness against the so-called establishment, and often takes the form of open revolt against the most elementary laws of a healthy human society. Underlying this acute tension is, unquestionably the inner disunity and disharmony between reason and emotion, giving way to misconduct etc.

Sad to say, these tragic symptoms have also affected some segments of Jewish youth.

In these critical times, it is obviously a vital necessity to strengthen, among our youth, the inner spiritual equilibrium, and the only road to attain this is through Torah and Mitzvoth, with unity and harmony between the mind and the heart in a way that gives the mind mastery over the heart.

Indeed, this is what Chabad teaches and is trying to inculcate into everyone. Its message — which goes back to the great and saintly Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch, and Founder of Chabad, on whose day of Yahrzeit this letter is being written — has never been more timely, more pressing, and more practical than it is today.

The Youth Center which you are privileged to dedicate, and which will undoubtedly help many youngsters (and adults) attain the said inner balance with mastery of the mind over the heart, clearly fills an urgent need. Its dedication is a cause for true Simcha for every Jew who has the future of our youth at heart.

I send hearty congratulations and best wishes to you and all others who have helped to make the New Youth Center a reality, and who will surely continue to support its activities and programs and in a growing measure. May G-d bless each and every one of you and them in all needs, materially and spiritually.

With esteem and blessing,
M. Schneerson