9012 —חנוכת בית הכנסת בכפר חב"ד ומשמעותה הסמלית

B"H, 5 Menachem Av, 5725.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby extend greetings to all participants in the dedication of the synagogue, especially those who merited to be volunteers and those involved in its construction and repair.

May it be His will that "Mizmor Shir Chanukat HaBayit HaZeh Lo Yidom" (A psalm; a song for the dedication of this house—may it never be silent) inspire in the hearts of all participants, both near and far, feelings of honor and esteem for all the institutions of the village—deep emotions whose impact will be evident in actual deeds: expanding the institutions and strengthening Torah and Judaism for everyone, in a manner that continually increases.

Although this letter is written during days that have not yet been transformed into days of joy and gladness, it is known that even matters of punishment in Torah are part of a Torah of kindness; at their core they are profound kindness. The same applies to these days. And even though it is due to our sins that we were exiled from our land, the purpose of destruction and exile is not G‑d forbid because suffering is cherished for its own sake, but so that they bring about intended rectification through improving actions and conduct by fulfilling Torah and mitzvos in daily life—for descent is for the sake of ascent, and consolation comes doubly.

If this is true regarding conduct in lands of our dispersion, how much more so in our holy land—the palace of the King.

The very dedication of the synagogue and its timing during Shabbat Nachamu week carries much symbolism connected to the theme of these days. Our Sages called a synagogue a "mikdash me'at" (a miniature sanctuary), especially this synagogue which truly deserves its name since it will also serve as a Beis Midrash for daily Torah study—like the Beis HaMikdash which was not only a place sanctified for service and offerings but also housed the Lishkat HaGazit where the Sanhedrin sat.

Just as with building the Beis HaMikdash—even though wood and stone formed its magnificent sacred structure—the main thing was the enthusiasm and self-sacrifice that filled Bnei Yisrael when they volunteered to build it; afterwards came holiness, love, and awe in its service. So too with this synagogue: built with lofty feelings, may it be permeated with holy enthusiasm and an abundance of Torah-and-mitzvah light. The voice—the voice of Yaakov—voices of song, prayer, and Torah should fill its entire space with a great sound that never ceases but breaks forth outward.

May it be His will that all who participated in building and repairing this magnificent synagogue be blessed with everything they need—with abundant blessings from He Who dwells on high Who causes His presence to rest everywhere—and especially in our holy land—and particularly in these miniature sanctuaries.

I pray that this valuable achievement will be only a beginning for further great activities to expand the village and its sacred institutions—to elevate Torah-and-mitzvah stature overall; through this may we all together merit complete true redemption and rebuilding of the chosen house by Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that dedicating a synagogue—especially during times associated with mourning—carries deep spiritual meaning. Through heartfelt participation and ongoing commitment to Torah institutions, we bring blessing upon ourselves and hasten collective redemption.