8274 —הפצת אור חנוכה וחיזוק חינוך התורה

B"H, First Night of Chanukah, 5722.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

As we enter the radiant days of Chanukah, now is an appropriate time to reflect on where we stand regarding spreading the light of Ner Mitzvah and Torah Or in our daily lives—both at home and outside. This is truly the "practical" meaning of Chanukah and the Chanukah candle.

Even if one can be satisfied with achievements in recent days and years, it is certainly not enough. The Chanukah candle teaches us there must always be an increase—mosif v'holech, mosif v'or—so that all matters of Torah and holiness should be spread and strengthened in ever-increasing measure, just as we light the Chanukah candles in a growing number each night.

And even if there are difficulties, Chanukah demands from a Jew mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice), though the mesirus nefesh required today in a country like America is far from what was demanded from Mattisyahu and his sons, or even from Jews today in certain countries where Jews and Judaism are persecuted and oppressed (may G‑d have mercy). However, this does not mean that the danger of 'to make them forget Your Torah' is less or less relevant in free countries than in enslaved ones. The danger of "peaceful assimilation" is in many ways even more serious than "forced assimilation." The way to prevent and eliminate this danger is to increase and spread yeshiva education—chinuch al taharas hakodesh (education in purity)—"Chinuch Hashem."

This is not only a matter of bringing as many Jewish children as possible into yeshivas—though every Jewish child is an entire world unto themselves—it also means that each one should be a shining light to spread and illuminate their surroundings with Torah-true Judaism. There are candles and wicks here, thank G‑d; we only need to add a spark.

This has always been the main task of the students of Lubavitcher yeshivas—neros le'ha'ir: radiant lights that shine, illuminate, and continually kindle new lights. At the same time, the baalei batim—the supporters and friends of Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch yeshivas—must provide necessary financial support in ever-increasing measure.

The annual campaign of Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch provides an opportunity to realize the essence of Chanukah in a practical way. This opportunity means an obligation and responsibility that must not be neglected.

Participation in the work of Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch throughout the year—and especially during this annual campaign—in greater measure according to the message of Chanukah will surely bring each participant increased blessings from Above both materially and spiritually for themselves and their families.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Chanukah calls for spreading light through increased Torah learning and support for yeshiva education. Every Jew can help illuminate their surroundings by strengthening their commitment to Torah values and supporting communal efforts.