By the Grace of G-d
In the Days of Sefirah, 5734
Brooklyn, NY
To All Participants in the Dinner for the Dedication of the New Wing of the Lubavitch Community Centre, London, N. 16
Greeting and Blessing:
It is with inner pleasure that I congratulate each and all of you on this memorable occasion, and send you prayerful wishes for Hatzlocho.
The official opening of the New Wing in these days of Sefirah is truly in keeping with the Mitzvah of Counting the Days of the Omer, as reflected in the traditional text which calls for cardinal numbers (“two days,” “three days,” etc.) rather than ordinal numbers (“second day,” “third day”), as might have been expected. The idea behind this form of counting is that in all matters of holiness the results and benefits are cumulative, thus establishing a stronger base for further and greater advancement.
Similarly, the New Wing — a most welcome extension of pre-existing facilities — goes beyond its added value, for it enhances the entire complex of the Centre, as, by way of illustration, the weight that two persons can lift together is greater than the sum total of their individual capacities.
In the area of Torah education, the addition of such a facility as the New Wing, is a significant contribution not only materially but also spiritually. For, when the student sees that his school is expanding and flourishing, it strengthens his pride in it and stimulates him to greater achievement in his studies, whether his classroom is in the New Wing or in the older building.
And speaking of Chinuch and the building in which it is housed, there is a symbolic connection between the essential aspects of both. For, to be sure, the external aspects of a building are important, and due consideration should be given to make the premises comfortable and attractive even at a glance. Yet, it is self-evident, that ultimately the most vital part of the building is its foundation, though people hardly ever speak about it. And, in so far as the foundation is concerned, the essential thing is that it should be made of the most durable material, which has been tested and is known to be resistant to the elements of change and erosion. It is of no concern what a bypasser or neighbor might think about its external appearance.
This is especially true of Chinuch:
To be sure, the external aspects of the premises are important and praiseworthy. Indeed, in regard to all Mitzvoth our Sages enunciated the principle of beauty, as witnessed in the commentary of the words of the Torah, “This is my G-d, and I will beautify Him” — “Can a man beautify G-d? But I will make myself beautiful to Him through the Mitzvoth.. a beautiful Succah, beautiful Tzitzith, beautiful Tefillin. ...”
But one must not lose sight of the fact that the most important thing about Chinuch is the quality of the Chinuch itself — to permeate the child with the kind of Torah Chinuch that will be his unshakable foundation upon which to build a truly beautiful edifice of adulthood, family life, and future generations.
It is surely in this Torah Chinuch that the Lubavitch Community Centre takes greatest pride, and deserves the utmost cooperation, both materially and spiritually.
With blessing for the utmost Hatzlocho
M. Schneerson
Source: Photocopy of the original.
See Sotah 35b.
Shemos 15:2; Shabbos 133b.
