10024 —הדינר השנתי של תומכי תמימים, יט כסלו, וחנוכה

B"H, Eve of Yud-Tes Kislev, 5731.

Brooklyn, NY.

To all participants in the annual dinner of Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch — may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

The annual celebration of Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch this year takes place among the auspicious days between Yud Tes Kislev and Chanukah, which are closely related. This highlights the special significance of this event.

The historical events leading to Chanukah and to Yud Tes Kislev share common features, both in their essence and in their lessons for each of us in our daily lives.

Chanukah reminds us of the self-sacrifice of a handful of Jews—the Chashmonaim and their followers—who fought to preserve the purity and uncompromising nature of the holy Torah at a time when darkness and confusion threatened pure Jewish faith and true Jewish values. With Hashem's help and many miracles, they fought for purity and holiness—ner mitzvah v'Torah or (the candle is a mitzvah and Torah is light)—in daily Jewish life.

Yud Tes Kislev reminds us of the self-sacrifice of the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch, to spread the inner light of Torah and mitzvos through Toras HaBaal Shem Tov—this is Toras HaChassidus—and how he also fought for all Israel with G‑d's help and through many miracles. Since then—nearly 200 years—Chassidus has been a source of uncompromising Torah-true Judaism for authentic Jewish life in all parts of the world.

Just as Chanukah expresses itself in three main points symbolized by the mitzvah of ner Chanukah—emphasizing: (a) The purity of Torah (the untouched jar of oil sealed by the Kohen Gadol), (b) The necessity to spread the light of Torah and mitzvos even outward (at his doorway facing outside), and (c) In an increasing measure (adding more each day)—so too does Yud Tes Kislev express itself in these same three main points in its slogan and approach: yafutzu mayanosecha chutzah (your wellsprings shall spread outward): (a) To spread ever more (yafutzu), (b) The pure sources of Torah and mitzvos imbued with Chassidic light and warmth (mayanosecha), (c) To reach even those who are still outside (chutzah).

Yud Tes Kislev is essentially a continuation and complement to Chanukah. Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim unites within itself the spirit and content of both Chanukah and Yud Tes Kislev.

The Lubavitcher yeshiva has established—and continues to establish—generations of talmidim temimim who spread Torah and mitzvos in purity, imbued with Chassidic vitality, warmth, and self-sacrifice. They are living lights—not only do they shine around themselves but with deeply rooted Ahavas Yisrael they ignite many other lights among circles that are still outside—in a manner of "mosif v'holech mosif v'or" (increasing more lights and more illumination).

Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch therefore deserves full support from all who understand the preciousness of Torah and mitzvos, recognizing the responsibility upon every Jew—man or woman—to strengthen Torah-true Judaism generally, especially among youth.

The annual undertaking by Merkaz HaYeshivos Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch is both a challenge and an opportunity to concretely express inner Jewish awareness and responsibility by providing necessary financial assistance to enable the Lubavitcher yeshiva to continue expanding its vital work.

May Hashem bless each one with complete success in this endeavor; this is also the way to receive G‑dly blessings for oneself and one's family—in all material and spiritual needs.

Summary

This letter teaches that supporting institutions dedicated to spreading Torah, mitzvos, and Chassidus brings personal blessings. The connection between Yud Tes Kislev and Chanukah inspires us to increase our efforts in illuminating Jewish life everywhere with warmth, purity, and self-sacrifice.