9196 —כנס נשי ובנות חב"ד בחודש אלול, כוחו הרוחני וברכותיו

B"H, Erev Shabbat Kodesh Mevarchim Chodesh Elul, 5726.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

With pleasure I received the news regarding the scheduling of the gathering for Monday, the first day of Rosh Chodesh Elul, may it come upon us for good. In general, when Jewish men or women gather together, it is said about them: 'And your people are all righteous' (Yeshayahu 60:21; "All your people are righteous"), it is good for them and good for the world (see Sanhedrin 71a). Especially when the purpose of the gathering is from the outset to strengthen activities that establish traditional Judaism and spread it—illuminated with Chassidic light and vitality—and here there is also a communal mitzvah and the merit of the many.

This gathering has a special quality because both the place and time contribute: it is taking place in Kfar Chabad on Rosh Chodesh HaRachamim—the month of Elul—whose initials are Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li (I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine; Shir HaShirim 6:3), as emphasized in the teachings of our Rebbe the Alter Rebbe. There it is explained based on a parable about a king who, before entering his city, is met by its people in the field; then anyone who wishes may go out to greet him, and he receives everyone graciously. The Previous Rebbe adds: anyone who wants can go out to greet him, and he welcomes everyone with a pleasant countenance.

It is further elaborated at length by Admor HaTzemech Tzedek—this year marks one hundred years since his passing—in his book Or HaTorah.

May it be G‑d's will that this gathering brings about the hoped-for results—and even more than expected—beginning immediately at the event itself and continuing to grow in the days following. May each participant—and all Nshei U'Bnos Chabad in general—and all those who join them—see blessing and success in their activities. As mentioned above: actions imbued with Chassidic light and vitality that continually increase brightness.

Since this gathering takes place on Rosh Chodesh Elul—a time for wishing one another a good inscription and sealing—may Hashem bless each one of them together with their entire family with a good and sweet year both materially and spiritually.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that gatherings for strengthening Judaism—especially among women—carry unique spiritual power when held at auspicious times like Rosh Chodesh Elul. He encourages continued growth in Torah and mitzvos illuminated by Chassidus, blessing all participants with success and a sweet new year.