The Rebbe's Message

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
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
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.

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