Igrot Kodesh · Letter 8274 — Chinuch

By the grace of Hashem,

first light of Chanukah* 5722,

Brooklyn, New York,

To the members of the assembly of Yeshurun*, who cherish

and respect the Torah*, may Hashem grant you long life,

I greet you and bless you,

We enter the luminous days of Chanukah*. This moment is therefore propitious for establishing a balance on the manner in which one spreads the clarity of: "the candle (which) is a Mitzvah* and the Torah* (which) is a light," on a daily basis, as much "at the door of his house," at home, as "to the outside," since such is the 'concrete' teaching of Chanukah* and of its lights. Even if one can be satisfied with what has been accomplished, in various domains, during the days of the year that has just passed, it is clear that one cannot be content with this. Indeed, the candles of Chanukah* prove that one must add, advance and illuminate. It is therefore appropriate to spread and strengthen all that belongs to the Torah* and to holiness, in the broadest proportions, just as we light the lights of Chanukah* in increasing number, each night of the festival.

Even if difficulties arise, Chanukah* asks a Jew to demonstrate self-sacrifice, although the sacrifice that can be expected, at the present time, in a country like America is very far from that which was necessary in the era of Matisyahu* and his sons, equally far from that to which the Jews had to consent in certain countries where they were unfortunately persecuted and pursued. On the other hand, this does not mean that the situation in which one wishes: "to make them forget Your Torah*" is lesser, or less current, in free countries than in oppressed lands. From various points of view, "happy" assimilation is more serious than coercive assimilation. To rise against such a situation and remove it, one must develop and spread the education dispensed by the Yeshivah*, that which is based on sacred values, Chanukah* being decomposed into Chanoch Hei*, education for Hashem.

It is not solely a matter, in this case, of ensuring that the greatest possible number of students attend the Yeshivah*, although each Jewish child constitutes an entire world in himself. This also means that each of them must be a brilliant light, spreading the Judaism of the Torah* around him and illuminating. For, the candles and the wicks exist. It suffices to light them. Such was always the principal objective of the students attending the Yeshivos* Lubavitch, to constitute "candles to illuminate," illuminating and lighting other candles. Simultaneously, the heads of families, the Tomchei Temimim*, those who support the wholesome students, the donors and friends of these Yeshivos*, must also, for their part, bring their own contribution, gather the financial means that are necessary in ever-increasing proportions.

The annual celebration of the center of the Yeshivos* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch offers the possibility of putting the content of Chanukah* into practice, in a concrete manner. This possibility is a challenge, which one has no right not to take up. By taking part in the work of the center of the Yeshivos* Tomchei Temimim* Lubavitch, throughout the year and especially on the occasion of the annual celebration, in an increased and broader manner, in conformity with the content of Chanukah*, each man and woman among the participants will receive, without a doubt, the blessings of Hashem, in an increased and broader manner, materially and spiritually, for oneself and for all the members of one's family. With my respects and my blessing, as well as on the occasion of Chanukah*,

M. Schneerson,