139 —הדלקת נשמות ישראל כמו הכהן המדליק את המנורה

B"H, Sunday, the 10th of Adar, 5704.

Brooklyn.

Kavod HaVavac"h Iy"a Nechbad Venaaleh Mo"m Be'emunah Mahor"y Katz

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your first and second letters (which were received together), enclosed is a receipt for the tzedakah to Melach. And although the words of my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita, and his instruction regarding sending you the "Pocket Encyclopedia—Daily Digest," do not require reinforcement, nevertheless, a hint and example can be found in this week's Torah portion which begins with the mitzvah of lighting the lamps by the Kohen.

We see clearly in every lighting that the one who lights only initiates the first illumination; afterwards, the lamp burns on its own. This phenomenon is present in every Jew: even if for some reason he has become distant from Torah and mitzvos, it is usually enough to awaken him—and then "Ner Hashem Nishmas Adam" (the lamp of G‑d is the soul of man) within him will go on shining by itself.

Fortunate is he who brings light to the world by kindling these lamps—that is, inspiring fellow Jews—to illuminate the darkness of the world; this merit depends on him.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that inspiring another Jew is like kindling a lamp: once awakened, their soul shines on its own. Each person who helps ignite this inner light brings merit and illumination to themselves and to all of creation.