9230 —אחדות ושמחה בהקפות שניות בירושלים

B"H, Eve of the days of our rejoicing, 5727.

Brooklyn, NY.

To the honored participants in Hakafos Shniyos in the holy city of Jerusalem, may it be rebuilt and established by our righteous Moshiach—may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

As thousands of Jews gather together, from many tribes of Israel, to celebrate the joy of our holy Torah in Jerusalem, the holy city, I join in your joy—our shared joy—even though I am physically distant but truly close in essence. This is especially so according to the teaching of Admor the Baal Shem Tov: wherever a person's will is, there he is found.

Along with my prayerful wishes and blessings that the joy should be doubled—as explained by Admor Hazaken, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch: "Yisrael will rejoice in their Maker" (Tehillim 149:2) and "Hashem will rejoice in His works" (Tehillim 104:31).

May this joy influence the entire year so that it will be a year of Torah—a Torah of life; guidance for daily living; a year of joy both materially and spiritually; a year when the prophecy will be fulfilled: "And the redeemed of Hashem will return and come to Zion with song; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads" (Yeshayahu 35:10; 51:11).

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that unity and shared joy among Jews have lasting impact. Even when physically apart, spiritual closeness is achieved through heartfelt intent. Joy experienced together during Hakafos Shniyos should inspire a full year rich with Torah and happiness.