ב"ה5th Chanukah Candle, 5709

My dear  Mr. Stulman:

It is a long time since I have heard from you. I hope this is no indication of a change in attitude.

On the occasion of Chanukah I wish to send you a word of greeting. It is a good opportunity to strengthen our bonds.

On Chanukah we celebrate two miracles: the victory of the Maccabbees over the forces of Antiochus in the battle field, and the miracle with the oil at the rededication of the Beth Hamikdosh in Jerusalem, following the victory.

The former is expressed in a prayer which we recite during Chanukah - privately. The latter is expressed through the lighting of the Chanukah candles - for public display.

The form of our Chanukah celebration thus emphasizes the relative importance of the material and spiritual in our life. For the victory in the battle field, although miraculous, was a material one. The miracle with the oil, on the other hand, enabled our people to observe the Mitzvah of lighting the Menorah in the rededicated Beth Hamikdosh.

Thus it is also in the life of the individual.

Material blessings are only then used to their fullest extent, if they serve as means to enable us to live our spiritual life in accordance with the dictates of the Torah. The material must be subordinated to the spiritual; the body to the soul. "The soul of man is G-d's candle," and it fulfills its purpose by spreading the light of the Torah and Mitzvoth in its entire environment. This is the symbol of the Chanukah Lights.

I trust all is well with you and yours. I wish you a very happy Chanukah, and may the inspiration of this festival always be a real factor in your life.

With kindest regards,

Very sincerely,

M. Schneerson