Dear Friends:
How wonderful it is to celebrate simchas beis hashoeva together. Every night, multitudes of Crown Heights residents, plus thousands of guests here for Yom Tov, rejoice in unity with true ahavas Yisroel. On chol hamoed, thousands from other neighbourhoods join us in the simchas yom tov, which has become renowned throughout the New York area, making it a huge kiddush Hashem. The Rebbe often told us that on Sukos we draw from Above abundant blessings of simcha for ourselves, our families and the whole Jewish people all year.
Simchas beis hashoeva has always been very close to the Rebbe’s heart. Since the Rebbe started this tradition in 5741 (1980), he mentioned it in every sicha that he spoke every night of Sukos – another tradition that he started that year. He continued mentioning these celebrations in his sichos on Sukos every year until 5752 (1991), demanding that everyone, without exception, participate, and often he asked for reports about the simcha beis hashoeva celebrations.
Simchas beis hashoeva costs over $30,000 every year. This must be covered by private donations, especially from anash who cherish a project that the Rebbe held so dear. Just as the Rebbe often asked of us for his various campaigns to benefit Jews everywhere, so should all who are close to the Rebbe feel a personal obligation to participate generously in this vital project. And just as we dance together in true unity at this celebration, so are all obligated to cover its expenses.
Checks may be written to LYO (Lubavitch Youth Organization) or to Yisroel Shemtov, and should be sent to Y. Shemtov at 1594 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY 11213. We thank the many who generously donated for last year’s expenses, and we look forward to even greater anash participation this year.
Wishing you all, among the entire Jewish people, a very healthy and happy year, with true simcha in every aspect of our lives throughout the year,
Sincerely,
Yisroel Shemtov
P.S. As soon as we cover this year’s expenses, we’ll start planning an even greater kiddush Hashem for next year – may it be in the Beis Hamikdosh together with Moshiach!
