6612 —הנהגה במקל נועם, ושיטת חב"ד בהפצת אור

B"H, 21 Kislev, 5719.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n etc. Yosef Chaim HaKohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 13th of Kislev, and as is customary: the staff has been received. May it be G‑d's will that you and your wife, the Rebbetzin, succeed greatly in leading with a staff of pleasantness. This is especially fitting as it is the Chabad approach and also aligns with the teachings of our master the Baal Shem Tov in Iggeres HaKodesh—that spreading the wellsprings outward is itself a preparation and vessel for matters of Mashiach. As explained at length in the talk of Simchas Torah 5690 by my father-in-law, the Rebbe, it is clarified in many places [including in Hemshach VeHecharim by my father-in-law Rebbe Maharash] that the matter of Mashiach is leadership with a staff of pleasantness. From this it is also understood that this is the core point of leadership among our Rebbeim—the leaders of Chabad—and all those who go on their mission to spread light from their source and spring in the places where they are sent.

May it be G‑d's will that all of the above be done in a manner of increasing and progressing. The days of Chanukah themselves empower this as well—for according to Beis Hillel we increase day by day—and this applies to matters of "oil," secrets within secrets of Torah (Ilanah D'Chayei), from which light spreads throughout the entire world and its matters. That suffices.

With blessings for good news in all mentioned above and a joyous Chanukah.

Surely you know my custom—without vow—to avoid gifts. Therefore enclosed instead is a check as compensation for the above. Remain healthy.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true leadership follows a path of kindness and pleasantness, especially when spreading Torah and Chassidus. Our efforts should always increase like Chanukah lights, illuminating ourselves and others with ever-growing spiritual light.