By the Grace of G-d 20th of Kislev, 5738 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Blessing and Greeting:

This is to confirm receipt of the correspondence and reports about the activities. May G-d grant that the Hatzlocho in the past should increase the desire to work even more energetically to spread ever more light.

This is especially emphasized in the forthcoming days of Chanukah, in which Jewish women had a significant role, as our Sages of blessed memory declared, "They (the women), too, were involved in that miracle (of Chanukah)," and even more so according to Rashi's commentary: "For a woman was instrumental in bringing about the miracle."

It has often been pointed out that observances such as Chanukah and Chanukah Lights, which are remembered and observed from year to year, are not just a remembrance, but that memory and observance should bring out their intent and purpose in a practical way in the daily life and conduct.

One of the things that Chanukah teaches us, as underscored in the prayer of v'Al haNissim, is that a Jew is never discouraged by the fact that Jews are ”weak" and "few" (physically), facing "mighty" and "many." On the contrary, inasmuch as Jews are "pure and tzaddikim and dedicated to Your Torah," they overcome all obstacles without and within which might make them forget G-d’s Torah and Mitzvos, until they attain a complete victory, with the lighting of candles, etc.

And the Chanukah Lights teach us, among other things that they are kindled when the sun has set, when it is dark outside; and that their light is to be displayed so as to illuminate the outside.

Furthermore, it is not enough to light one candle; and although lighting one candle the first night is all that is required to fulfil the Mitzvah to perfection, and the person is regarded among the "mehadrin-min-hamehadrin, " he lights an additional candle the second night; and even this additional effort is not sufficient when another day passes, and one must add yet one more candle and more light, and so on, consistently increasing the candles and the light for an entire week.

The message of the Chanukah lights is clear: In all matters of Ner Mitzvah vTorah Or - especially in our present time - it is necessary to go about in the same manner of spreading the light in a growing measure, to light up one's personal life, and to light up the home and the street, that those who walk in darkness should see the bright light of the Torah and Mitzvos, so that they, too, will light up their lives and conduct with ‘the Divine Light even more and more.

May G-d grant that all the said activities, especially the Shabbos and Yom Tov Candle-lighting campaign, (Neshek) which is particularly relevant to the above. should be carried out with joy and gladness of heart (and similarly the Kashrus and Taharas Hamishpocho campaign, of course).

And this is also the channel and vessel to brighten up also all your material aspects, in all needs, tor yourselves and your families.

With blessing for a bright Chanukah and for Hatzlocho and good tidings in all above

M. Schneerson