By the Grace of G-d
Erev-Shabbos Mevorchim Nissan, 5739
Brooklyn, N. Y.
To All Participants in the First Annual Lubavitch Chasidic Song Festival
Greeting and Blessing:
It is fitting that this First Annual Chassidic Festival event is taking place in the beginning of the month of Nissan, the month which the Torah designates the first of the months of the year; for the month of Nissan is highlighted by the great historic event of Yetzias Mitzraim - the Exodus and Liberation of our people from Egyptian bondage.
Although Pesach, the Festival of Our Liberation, is celebrated once a year, the Torah commands us to remember this event every day. In the teachings of Chabad it is explained that Yetzias Mitzraim, in addition to its historic importance, symbolizes the natural striving of the Jewish soul to liberate itself from the constraints of the physical body and the material aspects of the every-day life. (Mitzraim, "Egypt," is derived from the word metzarim, "limitations," "stresses.") Whenever a Jew is engaged in prayer, Torah study, and the fulfilment of Mitzvos, the soul experiences release and liberation, even to the degree of sublime "outpouring of the soul." And as the inner joy and exultation of this experience can no longer be contained, one bursts into song and dance. This is why singing and dancing have an important place in the Torah and in Jewish life, particularly in the Chassidic emphasis on "serving G-d with joy."
I trust that the participation in this Chassidic Festival event will provide lasting inspiration to each and all of you to enrich your Jewish experience and strengthen your commitment to Yiddishkeit, going from strength to strength in all matters of goodness and holiness, Torah and Mitzvos, in the everyday life, for ultimately "the essential thing is the deed."
With prayerful wishes for a kosher and joyous Pesach, and may the Festival of Our Liberation bring each of you and yours a growing measure of true liberation, liberation from all distractions, materially and spiritually, so as to serve G-d with joy and gladness of heart.
With esteem and blessing for Hatzlocho in all above,
M. Schneerson
