6565 —מטבעות צדקה, עשיית נדרים, ותכנון לחודש כסלו

B"H, 23rd of Marcheshvan, 5719. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

... Regarding what you wrote concerning Mr. …, sheyichyeh, in the matter of the charity coins, that sometimes he forgets or is not at home: It seems I have already written to him explicitly that this should be done without making a vow (bli neder). If he did not do so, he should annul the matter before three people, and from now on he should do it without a vow. Also, it is understood that with regard to giving charity, there is no strict requirement to put the coins immediately into the charity box or to give them right away to a poor person; if neither option is available, one can place the money in a special envelope or similar. All this is possible even while traveling, etc. He should also certainly arrange with him the second matter mentioned in his letter, which is obviously even more important.

May it be G‑d's will that not only will the aforementioned person draw closer but will be included among Anash in all aspects in an ever-increasing manner—until he is "moist enough to moisten others," in his surroundings and beyond.

Certainly you are preparing in advance a detailed plan to utilize the days of the month of redemption and miracles—Kislev—and especially the auspicious days of Yud and Yud-Tes Kislev and Chanukah for strengthening Judaism in general and spreading the wellsprings outward in particular. May it be G‑d's will that this be with great success.

With blessing for good tidings in all the above.

Printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 14, p. 260.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches to approach giving charity thoughtfully and without vows, to plan ahead for spiritual activities—especially during Kislev—and to strive for personal growth that inspires others as well.