9065 —צדקה בימי חנוכה וחשיבות הנתינה בשמחה

B"H, the days of Chanukah, 5726.

Brooklyn, NY.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n mo"h Chaim.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Through Rabbi Havavac"h iy"a nu"m who is involved in tzt"z etc., our teacher Menachem Shmuel David HaLevi Raitchik, shadar, your pan was received to be read at the resting place of my father-in-law, the Rebbe. Along with this, the check was received; the amount remains open for me to determine as I see fit.

In accordance with this month being a month of miracles and these days being days of miracles, salvations, and wonders, it is appropriate to set the amount for your first donation to tzedakah—which is equivalent to all mitzvos—at three thousand shekel ($3,000).

Since our Sages said: "It is a greater mitzvah when done personally than through an agent," and giving tzedakah must be done specifically with joy and a good heart, I am enclosing the check so that you will fill it out in your own handwriting—as mentioned—with joy and a good heart, and then return it.

On a related note, enclosed is a copy of a sichah regarding tzedakah and the festivals of this month.

May it be G‑d's will that what is stated at the end of that sichah be fulfilled in you: "U'vchanuni na b'zot... Aser bishvil shetitasher" (Test Me now in this... Tithe so that you may become wealthy).

Blessings for health and success in your matters mentioned in your pan and especially to increase in tzedakah continually—as is instructed by these days of Chanukah when we add from day to day—and blessings for good news in all the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that giving tzedakah during Chanukah should be done generously and with personal involvement. Joyful giving increases its merit and brings blessings for health, success, and continued growth in charity.