Teshuvah is in the sincerity of the heart; song can have a strong positive effect; the auspicious day of Chai Elul
By the Grace of G-d
15th of Elul, 5739
Brooklyn, N. Y.
To All Participants in the Chabad Lubavitch Concert
Seattle, Wash.
Greeting and Blessing:
I was pleased to be informed of the forthcoming Concert on the eve of the 18th of Elul.
The date is particularly significant and auspicious for the occasion. For the month of Elul is dedicated to Teshuvah — return to the roots and sources of Torah and Mitzvos which are bound up with the real essence of every Jew. The Alter Rebbe, Founder of Chabad, explains in Tanya that the essential aspect of Teshuvah is in the sincerity of the heart, since it entails profound feelings of regret for past failures and the strongest resolve and commitment for the future.
And it is well known that very often the heartstrings can be touched more readily and effectively by an inspiring Nigun than by a word of admonition.
Moreover, the concert is taking place on Chai Elul (“Chai” for “life”) — the birthday of the two great luminaries, the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe, who brought new life and inspiration to our Jewish people.
May the concert event be a great success in every respect, a source of lasting inspiration to all of you, and stimulating the activities of Chabad Lubavitch to strengthen Torah-true Yiddishkeit in the community at large.
Wishing you all a Kesivo vachasimo toivo for a good and sweet New Year,
With esteem and blessing,
M. Schneerson
