By the Grace of G-d Chanukah, 5734 Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mr. . . .
Greeting and Blessing:
Thank you very much for your kind letter of . . . and enclosure.
Your donation was earmarked towards the funding of the special Chanukah Campaign which has been launched by our Chabad people in different parts of the world, to bring to the attention of our fellow Jews, especially the children, the significance of Chanukah and its practical observance. The efforts concentrated particularly on children of pre-Bar (Bas) Mitzvo age, to whom Chanukah lamps and candles and other gifts were distributed.
The slogan "The children of today are the parents of tomorrow," may sound as a platitude, but it does not detract from its importance, if it is expressed in practical and tangible terms. I have in mind the vital need of Jewish education, but, unfortunately, allocations towards real education of our youth are deplorable and completely out of proportion. I mention this not for the purpose of criticism, but in view of the fact that you have influence in certain circles where the said negligence could be rectified. I trust, therefore, that you will do your utmost in this direction, and the Zechus of the many children who will benefit from it, will surely stand you and yours in good stead.
In these auspicious days of Chanukah, I wish you and yours a growing measure of light in all your affairs.
With blessing,
Notes and sources
Published: Teshura (Wenger 7 Sivan, 5771), 59.
Note: This letter is from the Archives of Rabbi Nissan Mindel A"H, the Rebbe's personal secretary entrusted with writing up the Rebbe's orally dictated responses. The “Nissan Mindel Archives” are comprised of secretarial copies, including first drafts, and may have subsequently been published with editorial changes. Therefore the letter as it appears here may not be the final signed version.