2323 —המאור המיוחד של לימוד התורה ביראת שמים בישיבות תומכי תמימים

B"H, Fifth Night of Chanukah, 5714.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

The annual celebration of the central Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos of Lubavitch, which will take place G‑d willing on Sunday, the 13th of Shevat, 5714, deserves the serious attention and greatest support from broad Jewish circles.

Since the Lubavitcher Yeshivah was founded fifty-seven years ago by the Rebbe Maharashab, and fourteen years ago was also established in America by my revered father-in-law the Rebbe zatzal—these Lubavitcher yeshivos here in this country have flourished with extraordinary G‑dly success.

It is impossible to estimate the great illumination brought about by Torah study with awe of Heaven that these Tomchei Temimim yeshivos have spread and continue to spread throughout all these years, thanks to the unique character of these yeshivos. Their students and those they educate are raised with a sense of responsibility to be "candles to illuminate"—to enliven and strengthen Torah and Judaism around them.

Just like the Chanukah candles, which are lit after sunset—even though they are small, they are not intimidated by the darkness. On the contrary: from night to night their number increases and their light grows stronger—so too are these "candles to illuminate," the students and those educated in Lubavitcher yeshivos.

And just as the mitzvah of Chanukah candles comes from Jews who, though few in number and weak in physical strength, fought with self-sacrifice against a numerous and powerful enemy so that they could purify and illuminate the Beis HaMikdash—so too every Jew for whom Torah and mitzvos are precious should not be intimidated if we are a minority compared to others or weaker financially than them. On the contrary: we must fight with self-sacrifice for G‑d's Torah and mitzvos (Your Torah, statutes of Your will).

Then Hashem helps with supernatural success both materially and spiritually. The Lubavitcher yeshivos—which educate students in this spirit of self-sacrifice and Torah study with awe of Heaven—need and must be supported with all possible strength to the greatest extent. For through the pure and holy light of Hashem's perfect Torah with pure awe of Heaven, our people's difficult path in exile is illuminated; Jews are preserved in their entirety until Hashem's promise is fulfilled and complete redemption comes. Then the pure Menorah will once again shine in the Beis HaMikdash, which will be rebuilt by our righteous Moshiach speedily in our days.

With a blessing that may Hashem fulfill all your heart's desires for good, and may we all merit soon to see the elevation of Torah's glory and Israel Saba's glory very soon.

Summary

This letter teaches that supporting Tomchei Temimim Yeshivos spreads a unique spiritual light through Torah study with awe of Heaven. Like Chanukah candles shining brighter each night despite darkness, every Jew can help illuminate Jewish life even when facing challenges.