8921 —חנוכה, מוסדות תורה, והגנת הרוחניות היהודית

B"H, Zot Chanukah, 5725.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

The preparations for the upcoming annual event of the Merkaz HaYeshivot Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch (21 Shevat as scheduled) are in full swing. I hope that everyone for whom Torah and mitzvot are dear will soon mobilize to contribute their part to the success of this annual event.

All Jewish holidays and days of remembrance bring new life into daily life in the present by connecting the Jewish future with its past. This also applies to the days of Chanukah, as is especially emphasized in the wording of the thanksgiving prayer: BaYamim HaHem BaZman HaZeh ("In those days at this time").

Chanukah reminds us of the attempt by the outside world to penetrate the inner Jewish world—not so much by trying to uproot Torah and mitzvot entirely, but by striving to strip them of their inner spirit of holiness and G‑dliness. This is highlighted in the Chanukah prayer: The Greeks tried lehashkicham Toratecha—to make Jews forget Your (Divine) Torah—and leha’aviram me’chukei retzonecha—to turn them away from the statutes of Your (Divine) will. The Torah as "wisdom," or as a "literary work," etc., was not in danger; nor were so-called "ethical" or "rational" mitzvot. What was endangered was deep Jewish faith in Torat Hashem—the L‑rd’s Torah—Torah from Heaven—and mitzvot Hashem—the L‑rd’s commandments.

This danger is just as serious today as it was then; today’s "Greeks" and their Jewish helpers and imitators—the "Misyavnim"—are no less dangerous for Jewish existence than those of old.

Therefore, it is so important today to strengthen and expand an institution like the Lubavitcher Yeshiva, where Torah study is permeated with holiness, awe of Heaven, meticulous observance of mitzvot—and above all—with a sense of responsibility, Ahavas Yisrael (love for fellow Jews), and self-sacrifice. Like the Hasmoneans of old who went out into the streets to spread ner mitzvah v’Torah or (the lamp of mitzvah and light of Torah), ever more according to the lesson from ner Chanukah.

It is hoped that those involved with the yeshiva and lovers of Torah and mitzvot in general will use these few weeks before the annual dinner to intensify their efforts and participation—even more so—to ensure both financial and spiritual success for this annual event.

In this merit, each one who acts and supports will be worthy of great salvation in all they need—for themselves and their families—both materially and spiritually together.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Hanukkah calls us to defend not just outward observance but also inner holiness in Torah life. Supporting institutions dedicated to authentic Torah values ensures Jewish continuity amid modern challenges.