By the Grace of G-d 21 Sivan, 5748 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Your letter of May 31, 1988 with the good news about the forthcoming celebration of the opening of the new Chabad House in Hartford reached me in proximity to Shabbos P’ Beha’alosecho es haneros — a most appropriate time, since the Sedra begins on the subject of lighting the Menorah in the Beis Hamikdosh.

As Rashi notes,¹ the choice of the word "beha’aloscho" (instead of the more direct and usual behadlikcho) indicates that the lamps of the Menorah had to be lit in a manner that once lit, “the flame would rise of its own accord,” without having to be rekindled.

Such is the intent and purpose and actual work of a Chabad House. The Chabad Houses are "lamplighters" kindling the flame that is inherent in every Jewish heart and soul, since "the soul of a Jew is the lamp of HaShem."² The “lamp” is already there: the vessel, the oil, the wick — all uniquely geared to shine forth with the light of Torah and mitzvot, Ner mitzvah v’Torah or.³ The lamp has only to be kindled and the flame rises, and in a manner that then it rises and shines by itself.

Through the association of the Menorah with the Chanukah Lights, as explained by our Sages, we are clearly and forcefully reminded also that every effort connected with Torah and mitzvot, both in one’s personal and family life, as well as in spreading Yiddishkeit in the community at large, must not remain static, however satisfactory the level may be at any given time; it must consistently grow and rise to ever higher levels. This is exemplified in the fact that we do not continue lighting just one Chanukah light throughout Chanukah - though one light was quite sufficient for the first night of Chanukah, but we add an additional light each subsequent night.

May HaShem grant that this be so, in the fullest measure, with the new Chabad House in Hartford.

With prayerful wishes and much hatzlocho and

With esteem and blessing, also in your personal affairs