The Rebbe's Message

By the Grace of G‑d

21 Sivan, 5748

Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

Mr. David Tuvia Chase

96 Highbridge Road

West Hartford, CT 06117

 

Greetings and Blessings!

 

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 begind on

the subject of lighting the Menorah in the Beis Hamikdosh.

 

As Rashi notes, the choice of the word beha’alosecho (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 heard and soul, since “the soul of a Jew

is the lamp of Hashem.” The “lamp” is already there: the vessel,

the oil, the wick—all uniquely geared to shine forth with the

light of Torah and Mitzvos, Ner Mitzvah vTorah Or. The lamp has

only to be kindled, and in a manner that there 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 Mitzvos, both in

one’s personal and family life, as well in spreading Yiddishkeit

in the community at large, must not remain static, however

satisfactory the level may be at any given time: it must consis-

tently grow and rise to even higher levels. This is exemplified

in the fact that we do not continue lighting just on 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 for much Hatzlocho, and

 

With esteem and blessing,

also in your personal affairs M. Schneerson

 

Letter appears as printed, but without the original signature.