8723 —חנוכה, הוספת אור, והצלחה בחינוך

B"H, 25 Kislev, 5724.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n baal middot ve-rav pe'alim HaRav Chaim Yaakov.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 19th of Kislev, a day of good tidings and redemption, along with its enclosure. Thank you for the pleasure you brought by sharing good news about the development of matters at the teachers' seminary, etc., and certainly for yourself as well.

It is hardly necessary to point out what is explained in several Chassidic texts: every success of this kind broadens the channel for even greater success, in accordance with our Sages' instruction to always ascend in holiness. Moreover, when our holy Torah commands something, it also grants the power to fulfill it—this is clear.

This is also a lesson from these days of Chanukah: we increase light day by day without regard to whether it is dark outside. On the contrary, once it becomes dark outside, a new command arises to add more light—"a mitzvah is a lamp and Torah is light," and the illumination within Torah refers to its inner dimension.

Another point based on a story from our Sages: the fighters in Israel did not destroy the oils but rather defiled them in the Sanctuary. This means that the greatest danger is not merely a lack of light but illuminating with impure oil—a lesson whose meaning is clear.

With blessings for success in education according to pure holiness, for a joyous Chanukah, and for good news in all matters mentioned above—with honor.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that each achievement in education opens new channels for greater success. Drawing on Chanukah's message and stories from Chazal, he urges us to continually increase spiritual light and maintain purity in all educational endeavors.