8080 —עידוד למצוות מעשיות, מנהגי חנוכה, ותפקידי הנהגה

B"H, 26 Kislev, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 14th of Kislev, it is surprising that you do not mention anything regarding the stay of the Haratz Haraha"g etc. from Satmar shlita who was in your camp; surely you will address this on the next occasion and with the necessary details.

I was pleased by what you wrote that among those involved with the library etc., there is already interest in practical mitzvos, for this is the whole person as it is written: "Ve'et Mitzvotav Shamor Ki Zeh Kol HaAdam" (and keep His commandments for this is the whole person), and certainly they will also fulfill here "ma'alin bakodesh u'mosif v'holech" (one ascends in holiness and continues to increase), especially during these auspicious days when the halachah follows Beit Hillel.

Regarding what you wrote about a few words to the students: I have already written several times that matters incumbent upon the administration or its specific members should not be sought from others to fill their place.

I was pleased by what you wrote about the diligent study of the student... shlita; may it be G‑d's will that he sees good fruit from his labor and effort. For now, there is no need to interfere in his other matters.

I am adding the kuntres for Yud-Tes Kislev, and surely you will merit to share its content with many; the merit of the many depends on you.

Blessings,

M. Schneersohn

Your letter from 22 Kislev was received (and it is surprising that you do not write about how the semicha celebration was conducted. It is understood that if I were even concerned they would sing the well-known niggun—I would not have sent a letter to the celebration nor would I have written... shlita... that he should travel there. Such a tactic from the yetzer hara—I did not even imagine).

Regarding your apology at the end of your previous letter—according to our holy Torah there is no need to apologize for what one writes as one thinks. My response remains as above; therefore there is no reason to ask me again on this matter because I stand by my aforementioned opinion and not by yours.

Mr.... shlita visited me and did not speak about college or similar topics. On the contrary, when I asked him, he said he would not discuss it in future either. It is possible his son shlita will come here for the fifth candle night. If he receives a list of all students learning Chassidus, he can also receive Hanukkah gelt for them as customary.

Regarding what you wrote about a "chapter on conduct": The talks and letters of my father-in-law, the previous Rebbe, are full of such topics. It was printed in Kuntres "Tzaddik LaMelech" part 1 page 93.

Summary

This letter emphasizes personal responsibility in leadership roles and encourages ongoing growth in mitzvah observance and communal influence during Hanukkah. The Rebbe clarifies boundaries between individual initiative and administrative duties while highlighting opportunities for positive impact.