1317 —חנוכה, לימוד חסידות, ומשמעות מהדרין העמוקה

B"H, 28 Kislev, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vaharaha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"m etc. Ephraim Eliezer Yales

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Thank you for your letter from the 21st of Kislev... I was pleased to hear that you have begun studying Chassidus in the Siddur, and may it be G‑d's will that you succeed in this as well as in other areas.

This follows the lesson of the mitzvah of Chanukah, which contains three levels: the basic fulfillment, mehadrin (beautifying), and mehadrin min hamehadrin (the most beautiful). It can be explained that this parallels the miracle itself—according to some later authorities, it would have been permissible to light even with impure oil since it was a communal offering (this is discussed at length in his usual analytical style by Haratz [the righteous one] and Haraha"g etc. from Ostrovtza in his recently published book). Nevertheless, a miracle occurred (beautification) that a pure flask was found; within this miracle itself there was another miracle (mehadrin min hamehadrin) that it contained only enough oil for one day but burned for eight days—like the lamp of the future era, which will have eight strands.

And all the people have adopted this practice—like "from many to many!" I await good news regarding your positive activities in proper education: education—the theme of Chanukah—and proper preparation etc., like a single flask sealed with the seal of the Kohen Gadol etc.

P.S.: I also received your letter from the fourth night [of Chanukah], and thank you for your notes on memories of bright days that you recall from your ancestors of blessed memory. When I was at the resting place of my father-in-law, the previous Rebbe, on Thursday last week, I mentioned you for all your needs; I am informing you accordingly based on our Sages' teaching that when one gives... he must inform him.

I believe I told Your Honor when you told me what Ramban writes regarding seeing a tzaddik's face—that I saw something similar in a certain book; now I found it in Sefer Vayosef Avraham by Rabbi Lifshitz (Munkatch, 1931), section 34. There he brings that this matter is discussed in Divrei Torah part I letter 27 by Haratz from Munkatch.

Enclosed is a list of things I said to the students on the fifth night of Chanukah.

Regarding what you wrote—that you remember they would take the shamash candle immediately after reciting the blessing from his grandson—this requires clarification according to Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim section 667 paragraph 3.

Summary

The Rebbe highlights how Chanukah teaches us to elevate mitzvah observance through ever-increasing beauty and dedication. He encourages deepening one's learning and positive actions while referencing sources for further insight into both halachic practice and spiritual growth.