By the Grace of G-d
20th of Adar, 5734
Brooklyn, N. Y.
To All Participants in the Annual Governors' Dinner of the Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Montreal, Que., Canada
Greeting and Blessing:
On the occasion of the forthcoming Annual Dinner, which will take place during the week of the Sedra of Pekudey, I extend felicitations and prayerful wishes to the honored Governors and active friends of the Yeshiva, as well as to all participants. May G-d grant that this important event should be crowned with the utmost Hatzlocho.
The Sedra Pekudey embraces the entire matter of the Mishkan, from its inception to its completion, from the influx of contributions in response to G-d’s command, "Make Me a Mikdash (Sanctuary) that I may dwell among them" - to the moment when "G-d’s Glory filled the Mishkan."
One of the insights which the Sedra provides is that when a good thing is initiated, everyone should realize that his participation will contribute to it not merely a share, large or small, but will be instrumental in making the whole project a reality. And although many other contributions are necessary to accomplish it, everyone is credited with the entire accomplishment. This is indicated in the blessing which Moshe Rabbeinu bestowed on the people, upon completion of the Mishkan, namely, "May it please G-d to cause His Shechina to dwell in the work of your hands" - everyone's handiwork.
Needless to say, a person can be credited with full accomplishment only when his contribution is the maximum that G-d expects of him, which, regardless of the actual amount, gives all participants an equal share in the accomplishment. This is also why at the beginning of the Sedra tribute is paid to Betzalel and Oholiav, the main architects of the Mishkan who, as Rashi indicates, represented the highest and the lowest segments of the Jewish people.
The teachings of the Torah are, of course, eternal. And while the physical structures of the Mishkan and Mikdash are not extant at this time, the spiritual Mishkan and Mikdash continues to exist within each and every Jew, and within every sacred Torah institution.
Consequently, when one is called upon to support such a "Mishkan" as the Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim, it is necessary to bear in mind that one's individual contribution, big or small, provided it is the maximum expected of him, is part of the entire endeavor, without which it would not be complete, since the whole is made up of all its parts. It should make everyone reflect as to whether his contribution really measures up to his maximum, so that it could be justly credited with the full accomplishment of the entire endeavor.
Viewed from this vantage point, it should be clear what a great Zechus it is to be a partner in such an endeavor, and should inspire everyone to contribute "With all his heart, with all his soul and with all his might."
Again, congratulations to you all, and may each and all of you be blessed by G-d with much Hatzlocho, in this undertaking and and in general, both materially and spiritually.
With esteem and blessing for Hatzlocho and good tidings
/Signed/ M. Schneerson
