The roles of a husband and wife in marriage; the importance of tzedakah in preparation for marriage

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Chanukah lights illuminating darkness

No. 120

This letter was written to Rabbi Y. Shapiro.

Wednesday, 2 Teves, 5704

Greetings and blessings,

You have certainly heard of the activities of Machne Israel and Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch which were founded by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita. An outline of our goals can be appreciated from the enclosed articles. In a separate mailing, we are sending you a sample of some of the new publications for youth published by Merkos.

According to the reports we have heard, you have the potential to achieve much [to further] the efforts of Machne Israel and Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch in your city in general, and in particular, among those in your closer circle of influence. [In this way,] you yourself can merit and bring merit to others.

It would be appropriate to pay great attention to spreading the educational publications that are written on the foundations of purity and holiness among the widest possible spheres of [Jewish] youth, even if they are now far from [receiving] proper [Jewish] education.

We would be pleased if you would continue to exchange letters with us. It is self-understood that we are ready to offer assistance to you in the efforts mentioned above to the extent of our capacity.

These days of Chanukah [are characterized by] the obligation to publicize [the Chanukah] miracle "in the public domain"... "after sunset,"[1] by kindling lamps. [This theme] should certainly spur us on with added strength to active efforts.

The "public domain" refers to an open place through which anyone can pass and express his opinion, even if it contradicts the approach of the Torah.

"After sunset" refers to a time when the gentiles - and assimilated Jews - ask:[2] "Where is your G-d?" about whom it is said:[3] "[Like] the sun and [its] shield is G-d, the L-rd"... until the kindling of "the candle of G-d, the soul of man"[4] possessed by every Jew. [This applies] even to sinners, for even if a person sinned, he remains a Jew.[5] And one continues [to add light] day by day, because one must increase in holy matters, and not descend.[6]

With the blessing, "Immediately to teshuvah, immediately to Redemption,"

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

Chairman of the Executive Committee

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) [Shabbos 21b.]

2. (Back to text) [Cf. Tehillim 79:10, 115:2.]

3. (Back to text) [Ibid. 84:12.]

4. (Back to text) [Mishlei 20:27.]

5. (Back to text) [Sanhedrin 44a.]

6. (Back to text) [Berachos 28a, et al.]

The roles of a husband and wife in marriage; the importance of tzedakah in preparation for marriage

Table of contents

Search this book:

Chanukah lights illuminating darkness