40 —חנוכה, חברות בח"ת, ופרסום הודעות קהילתיות

B"H, Fourth Night of Chanukah, 5703.

Chicago.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 14th of Kislev:

a) Enclosed is an official response for the Tehillim Society and a receipt for the twelve dollars.

b) In these days you will be sent the announcements regarding the Sefer Torah dedication along with receipts.

c) It is unfortunate that until now nothing has been published in your newspaper regarding the calendar; this is a matter dependent on time. Nevertheless, it is better that it be published late than not at all.

d) According to the regulations—which were established by instruction of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe—women are also accepted as members in Chitas (except for positions of authority, as noted in section nine in the footnote). In general, one should be lenient in accepting male and female members.

e) We have sent via Agudas Chassidei Chabad a letter to Tzach from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe. There should be an effort to publicize it and, if possible, also in your newspaper—though this is not obligatory. I am also writing similarly to our friend Haraha"ch etc. RML regarding this.

f) Enclosed is a circular that is periodically sent to members of Machane Yisrael along with a relevant response letter.

To conclude with something related to these days: The essence of Chanukah is to illuminate even places of darkness (see Drushei Chanukah 259), and it is explained in Torah Or (in the discourse "Ki Ata Neri") that this is also connected to "and Hashem will illuminate my darkness," which refers to our generation—the footsteps of Mashiach. It can be said that especially during times of birth pangs of Mashiach and harsh decrees (Sanhedrin 97b), there must be the concept that "the Holy One decrees a decree and a tzaddik nullifies it." This comes about by making a wicked person into a baal teshuvah, as explained by Targum and Rashi (Yirmiyahu 15:19), and according to our Sages (Bava Metzia 85a), this happens through Torah study by an unlearned person.

Summary

The Rebbe emphasizes spreading light during Hanukkah by reaching even those distant from Torah observance. He encourages inclusivity in communal organizations like Chitas and stresses publishing important information promptly—even if delayed—to benefit all members.