It was the custom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to bless the people in his synagogue on the eve of Yom Kippur. As the Rebbe’s representative to Queens College, I am taking the liberty of extending the Rebbe’s blessings to you. The following text is my free translation of the Rebbe’s words after the afternoon prayers at 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn NY — moments before the start of Yom Kippur 1973, and with tensions rising in the Middle East.
May the Almighty seal each and every one of us for a good and sweet new year. May this be revealed good in our tangible world.
Just as Rosh Hashana went straight into Shabbat, and Yom Kippur falls on the holy day of Shabbat itself, a day of rest, so may this be a year of menucha (rest). May all your work be done without hindrance, both in the general and specific aspects of your life. In your own personal growth, may you upgrade your endeavors in the three realms of Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness.
What is needed is a true awakening of teshuva (Shaul’s note: usually translated “repentance,” but more accurately translated as “return”) and true inner change. And this should be done with joy and a happy heart.
May these endeavors usher in the true and complete redemption. May it arrive soon — with kindness and compassion and worldwide joy.
May we all be sealed [in the “Book of Life”] for good things in all of the above.
