By the Grace of G-d Rosh Chodesh Tevet, 5745 Brooklyn, N. Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to receive your letter of Dec. 20th, with the good news that your Congregation will be celebrating the 35th anniversary of your Rabbi's accepting the position of Rav.

The event, gratifying in itself, is particularly welcome because it attests to the fact that not only is the Congregation highly appreciative of the Rav's spiritual leadership, and regards the Rav and the Rebbetzen with esteem and affection, it also reaffirms at the same time the commitment of the honorary officers and membership at large to continue their cooperation with the Rabbi, both individually and collectively, on an even higher level than before. This is as it should be in all matters of goodness and holiness, Torah and Mitzvoth, which should always be on the ascendancy.

Indeed, it is one of the basic teachings of Chanukah and of the Chanukah Lights, which are kindled in growing numbers from day to day to pointedly underscore that the status quo in matters of Yiddishkeit - however satisfactory it may be - is not good enough for the next day and the day after. This is indicated by the fact that although lighting one candle on the first night of Chanukah fully and perfectly complies with the Mitzvo of Ner Chanukah, yet an additional candle has to be lighted the following night, and one more the night after, and so on.

I extend prayerful wishes to Rabbi and Mrs. Posner, to all the honorary officers, headed by your good self, and to each and all of the members and worshippers, to go from strength to strength in spreading the light of Torah and Mitzvoth in their families and in the community at large, in the true spirit of Chanukah, thus also widening the channels to receive G-d’s blessings in all needs, likewise in a growing measure, both materially and spiritually.

With esteem and blessing,

M. Schneerson