By the Grace of G-d 2nd light Chanukah, 5727Brooklyn, N.Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

I have just received, with thanks, the marked copy of the ... , with your article wherein you cited a section of my letter. I am gratified to note that you credit Lubavitch with “genuinely caring about the spiritual-religious constitution of their fellows.” As for your reservations, the answer was already given in my letter to you, which, however, had for some reason not been mailed yet, and enclosed herewith.

You have no doubt heard of the concept that since the time of the Tree of Knowledge, there is no evil without good- a concept discussed at length by the Alter Rebbe, whose Yom HaGeulah (19th of Kislev) we have just observed. Thus, the delay in sending off my letter gives me the opportunity of extending to you Chanukah greetings, particularly to wish you to draw inspiration from the inner and essential aspects of the Festival of Lights. It is significant that the Chanukah lights are kindled in growing numbers, with an additional light each day, though the quantity of light was adequate before. Moreover, to quote our Sages, the lights are to be kindled “at the entrance of the home, outside,” indicating that the inside should be so illuminated as to shine forth and irradiate also the street. Indeed, when one wishes to light the candles solely for himself, there being nobody else to see them, one may not make the brocho. The lesson is obvious.

Wishing you a happy and inspiring Chanukah,

With blessing,

M. Schneerson

P.S. A propose the present popular discussion relating to the existing of G-d (which has a prominent place also in the current issue of the ... ), may I make an observation in a lighter vein, in the spirit of Chanukah: If all that has been said and written about G-d were said and written about an ordinary human mortal, that individual would have good cause to sue for defamation of character and would no doubt easily win his case. But apparently there is no such fear or restraint in regard to G-d, people relying on His being “slow to anger,” etc.