By the Grace of G-d Erev Yud-Tes-Kislev, Chag HaGeulo, 5730 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

At this time, as we are about to observe the Chag HaGeulo of the Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch and founder of Chabad, I send my greeting and blessing to all the honored guests and all participants in the annual event taking place on the 5th day of Chanukah.

The Chag HaGeulo of the Alter Rebbe on Yud-Tes Kislev, and the festival of Chanukah, though widely apart in historic perspective, have much in common in spirit and significance. It is therefore no accident that Divine Providence has brought both of them together in the same auspicious month of Kislev, within a week of each other.

The Alter Rebbe sought to illuminate Jewish life, even Torah-life, with the inner light of the Torah and Mitzvoth, and give a new dimension of vitality and meaning to each and every Jew in his daily life. However, the light of Chabad Chasidus was threatened with extinction, even as the light of Torah and Mitzvoth was in danger of extinction in the time of Mattathias. Thus, Yud-Tes Kislev, the day on which the Alter Rebbe and his Chabad system were completely vindicated, may be considered “A Festival of Lights” much in the same way as Chanukah.

Similarly both Yud-Tes Kislev and Chanukah point out the importance of Jewish education in its Torah purity, permeated with the spirit of self-sacrifice. It is no exaggeration to say that the dedicated workers of Chabad Lubavitch are true heirs of the Hasmonians of old. They are rendering most vital service in forming Torah outposts and strongholds in many parts of the world, in order to preserve and spread the light of the Torah and Mitzvoth, and strengthening the foundations of Torah-true education.

It is a great Zechus for each and every one of you to be partners in this great cause.

I trust that the forthcoming event will go a long way in giving the fullest expression to the spirit of these auspicious days, by reinforcing all efforts for the support and expansion of the Chabad Lubavitch programs in your community. And may G-d grant each and every one of you, with your family, a growing measure of brightness and happiness materially and spiritually. This is also a significant message of the Chanukah lights which are kindled in a growing number from day to day, indicating the need to spread the spirit of Torah and Mitzvoth in a growing measure, which also brings G-d’s blessings in a growing measure.

With prayerful wishes for an inspiring Chag HaGeulo and happy Chanukah,

With blessing,

M. Schneerson