5954 —הוספת אור כלפי חוץ בימי חנוכה ומעבר לכך

B"H, 26 Kislev, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n his work is the work of Heaven Yaakov Zilberman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your messenger, and may it be G‑d's will that since we have just come from the bright day of Yud Tes Kislev, the Rosh Hashanah for the study of Chassidus and its ways—and it is known the precision of Admor HaZaken and his son Admor HaEmtza'i in using the term "Rosh" (head) rather than "beginning," meaning that just as the head includes and draws life into all limbs, so too does this day influence all days of the year—and we now find ourselves in the days of Chanukah whose theme is increasing and spreading light outward, specifically at the entrance to one's home facing outwards, even after sunset. Thus, each one of us within Klal Yisrael should fulfill this inner content through actions in our surroundings to illuminate them with a mitzvah candle, Torah light, and especially with the light of Chassidus which brings people back to good.

This too is a lesson from Chanukah: one should not be discouraged if it seems there is only enough oil for one day (which permeates everything—see Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 105:5), for a person must do all that is required of him and what is good in G‑d's eyes He will do. If one acts sincerely for oneself, then the oil will suffice until new oil is prepared. This should be clear.

With blessings for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that even when resources appear limited, we must act sincerely to spread light—especially during Chanukah—trusting that G‑d will provide what is needed as we illuminate our surroundings with Torah and Chassidus.