[New York]

1.

"Blessed be G-d!" and "Praised be He!" are the first artless words of praise that spring from the heart of a Jewish individual or congregation on any occasion. These words are especially appropriate at a gathering that aims to support the dissemination of Torah study.

On the question of what wording should express the praise and thanksgiving that are called for on various occasions, such as in the Grace after Meals, the Mishnah and Gemara record diverse opinions and explanations. When it comes to the practical law to be followed, however, all opinions agree that a minyan of ten men may and should refer to the Divine Name as Elokeinu ("our G-d").

Each individual who participates in a gathering called to support the dissemination of Torah study brings with him one of the finest of Jewish traits -- "He himself contributes and sees to it that others also contribute." Moreover, to such a gathering one may aptly apply the teaching of the Gemara, "Wherever ten Jews assemble (for a holy purpose), the Divine Presence abides."

Divinity is not explicitly explainable, because our mortal and earthly mind cannot grasp it directly; it may be apprehended only by means of an instinctive sensitivity felt by every Jewish man and woman, old and young, in accordance with his education and lifestyle.

Yet all in all, as diverse as it may be in various individuals, this instinctive sensitivity to Divinity is the wellspring of a man's soul-life, which illumines and gives rich meaning to his bodily life.

Everything created by G-d requires nourishment, and in this regard the soul's life resembles the earthly life of the body. The soul's spiritual nourishment is Torah and mitzvos, but a profound concept such as this cannot be explained at length in a brief talk. Suffice it to point out an everyday fact known to all -- that an artlessly pious and believing Jew is sated and gratified by a pleasurable and devout davenen, by reading a chapter of Tehillim, or by performing a mitzvah.

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In this hall we see an assemblage of "ten Jews on whom the Divine Presence abides," multiplied many tens of times. Moreover, we may be certain that the souls of your forebears have come here to enjoy what they behold -- their children and grandchildren gathered together to support the G-d-fearing study of Torah. Accordingly, with the Torah-inspired respect and the chassidic reverence due to an extensive assemblage over which the Divine Presence abides, let me say: Grateful praise to G-d, and a blessed welcome to you all.

2.

Exceedingly anxious, as everyone is, about the dire situation of Jews in general, and in this country too, I must speak about what we are up against and what we must do in order to avert (with G-d's help), or at least alleviate, the upcoming serious state of affairs -- until Jewry's sun rises in a complete Redemption.

This I hope to speak of in my closing address. At this moment I would like to draw the attention of this worthy assemblage to the reason for our present gathering -- a festive day celebrated by the Torah in its entirety, the anniversary celebration of the Central Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos of Lubavitch.

There is no need for me to praise their accomplishments over a relatively short period in inculcating Torah teaching and the awe of Heaven and character refinement, through their various branches and chadarim which have raised the standing of Torah study in the spirit of age-old Jewish tradition, and which have served as guideposts and tonesetters for all the longstanding local Orthodox yeshivos. These accomplishments speak for themselves.

What I would like to speak about is the calamitous financial state of the Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos, which must be rescued in time. This is what I would like to say to you, respected listeners, and through you to all of American Jewry:

We, who head these Lubavitcher Yeshivos, devote all our energy and time and exertion for the sake of your wellbeing, for the sake of the lives of your families -- because the survival of the Jewish people depends on the Torah.

I did not come to this country for the sake of my personal security or physical welfare. My coming here is a mission ordained by Divine Providence -- to transform America (with G-d's help) into an abode for the Torah by disseminating the study of Torah in a G-d-fearing spirit, and to rescue kosher Jewish education. Now, therefore, I turn to you: Enable me to fulfill my mission.

In the hope that the respected organizers and guests involved in the present gathering will generously rescue the Central Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch Yeshivos from their grave financial situation and make their future plans feasible, I offer you my blessings.

Notes:

Fourth Anniversary: A photograph showing the Rebbe Rayatz delivering the above talk appears in: Rabbi Shalom Dober Levin, Toildos Chabad b'Artzois Ha'bris (Kehot, N.Y., 1988; Heb.), p. kuf pei"hei.

"Blessed be G-d!" and "Praised be He!": In the Heb./Yid. original, Baruch HaShem and Geloibt HaShem-Yisbarech!

He himself contributes: Tractate Avos 5:14.

Wherever ten Jews assemble: Tractate Sanhedrin 39a.

Sensitivity: In the Yid. original, gefihl.