B.H. 4th of Shevat, 5723 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

Thank you for your letter of the 4th of Teveth, with the enclosed items. I was gratified to read about your fruitful activities in recent weeks in connection with Yud-Tes Kislev and the Bnos Chabad.¹ May G-d grant that your continued activities along these lines be likewise permeated with enthusiasm and joy, for in addition to the requirement that one serve G-d with joy, such joyful service is obviously also more effective. The Zechus haRabbim will also stand you in good stead.

I will look forward to continued good reports of your accomplishments in the future, and wish you much success..

With blessing

By Nissan Mindel

You ask if you should continue with the second part of your studies and take the exam. Since the second part is tied in with the first, and in order to make the fullest use of your studies, it is worth while doing it. Besides, it seems that you could do it without undue effort or loss of time.

I would like to note, in reference to the sketch of the Chanukah Menorah as it appears on the "Chabad Times,"² that it is customary for the Shamosh to appear above the line of the candles. A simple explanation of this is related to the prohibition to make use of the Chanukah lights, because they are holy; therefore the Shamosh is placed more prominently. In a deeper and Chassidic explanation the thought is brought out that one who sets aglow the "soul of man which is the candle of G-d"³ attains extraordinary merit, even on a higher plane than the person whose soul was illuminated.⁴