By the Grace of G-d
*
24th of Teves, 5744
Brooklyn, N. Y.
To All Participants in the Twenty-second Annual Chabad Women's Mid-Winter Convention
Blessing and Greeting:
The timing of events in Jewish life, especially events connected with spreading the Torah and Mitzvoth, is always significant. The timing of this year's Convention during the weekend of Parshas Terumah, Rosh Chodesh Adar Rishon, is particularly significant, because this Sedra contains the oft-quoted meaningful passage, “Let them make Me a Mikdash (Sanctuary) and I will dwell among them.”
It has been pointed out that this passage speaks of two kinds of sanctuaries. One is the physical Mishkan and Mikdash that were made out of gold, silver, brass, etc. This Mikdash was the center of Jewish spiritual life from the time soon after the Liberation from Golus Mitzraim until the destruction of the Second Beis Hamikdash in Jerusalem and the beginning of the present Golus.
The other is the indestructible spiritual “Mikdash” that is in the heart of every Jew, made from "service of the heart" and the selfless dedication to the eternal values of Torah and Mitzvoth. This is, indeed, the eternal Mikdash to which HaShem alluded when He declared, "Let them make Me a Mikdash, and I will dwell among them" — read: "within them" as our Sages interpret this passage.
What is especially relevant in the above for the Convention is the special role of Jewish women in connection with the Mikdash. The Torah tells us that Jewish women distinguished themselves with their enthusiasm, dedication and generosity in responding to HaShem's request, "Make Me a Mikdash." They similarly excelled themselves in cultivating the spiritual Mikdash and in helping fulfill the Divine Promise, "I will dwell among them."
Needless to say, this has been the historic role of Jewish women at all times, and it is certain that HaShem provides them with all the capacity and ability to carry out their vital role to perfection.
The Agudas Neshei Chabad has accomplished an enviable record of achievements. But there is much more to be done, especially in these crucial days.
May G-d grant that the Convention, with the combined Zechus of a Tzibbur, will be blessed with Hatzlocho to set up an ambitious "work sheet" for the coming days, weeks and months ahead, and carry out all plans and projects in the fullest measure and more.
And, considering that the current year is a leap year — carry it all out "with an extra measure of joy and achievement."
With blessing for Hatzlocho, and good tidings in all above,
M. Schneerson
