10299 —הכפילות של טוב יום י"ט כסלו ופעולה בחנוכה

B"H, Tuesday — on Shabbat —, 2nd of Chanukah, 5732.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter... As it is now seven days since Yud Tes Kislev, it is worth noting: This year's calendar arrangement—regarding the day of good tidings being Yud Tes Kislev, the anniversary of the liberation of Admor HaZaken (in the year 5559)—is unique in that it is a day described as "doubled good." This is one of the distinguishing praises of the time of Admor HaZaken's redemption. In his letter announcing his liberation he writes: "A day which Hashem made for us—Yud Tes Kislev—a Tuesday on which 'ki tov' (it was good) is doubled; the great yahrzeit (hilulah rabba) of our holy Rebbe Nachman." There are several aspects to this doubling of goodness—beginning with goodness toward Heaven and toward people; Torah (lekach tov) and mitzvos (good deeds, especially tzedakah). In the words of Admor HaZaken from the AriZal: there are two types of souls among Israel—souls who are occupied with Torah all their days and souls who are occupied with mitzvos such as tzedakah and gemilus chassadim. And as with all matters in holiness—each aspect contains elements of the other. For example: Torah—teaching many; tzedakah and gemilus chassadim—as practiced by our forefathers, such as Avraham's hospitality when he planted an eshel and all passersby ate and drank etc., to whom he said: "From the Master of the World you have eaten; give thanks and praise and bless He Who spoke and brought the world into being." And action is paramount; thus (also) this year's arrangement—that Yud Tes Kislev falls on a day when 'ki tov' is doubled—should inspire everyone with even greater strength to double and redouble their efforts: teaching Torah to many, performing acts of kindness both materially and spiritually together, all founded upon and permeated by love for Hashem (which is fundamental to Torah and its source for all mitzvos) and love for Israel (whose fulfillment is the entire Torah—all else is commentary), doing as one ought to do—and even more so—with extra care (mehadrin), and even more so—superlative care (mehadrin min hamehadrin), following the lesson from Chanukah—that even though fulfilling the day's mitzvah simply would suffice, we light Chanukah candles in a manner that is mehadrin min hamehadrin.

With blessing, M. Schneersohn

Z.A.: I received your letter as well as your book with references and notes to Shulchan Aruch Admor Hazaken, Talmud Torah Talmud Torah—and great merit comes from making signs etc. for Torah study, especially in publicizing Torah learning. In this matter too—the spreading forth of the wellsprings etc.

Regarding your role in strengthening existing school networks etc.—your letters were received and will be read at an auspicious time.

With blessings for success in organized work focused on education.

They brought here a tallis gadol from Montreal which was copied (the width patterning of white/black stripes etc.) from the tallis gadol used by Keter according to Lubavitch custom since then—as reported by its bearer (the tamim Haraha"ch etc. Radel Hakohen from Montreal who heard so from his father). Please let me know details if you can clarify whether there is substance to this matter. There is also a report that you found something similar in a continuation printed etc.—if you inform me accordingly it will be corrected at an upcoming opportunity; public merit depends on you.

Utilize time between sessions—in consultation with the mashpia.

I acknowledge receipt of your letters and enclosures (as well as those that will be read at an auspicious time), and surely you will continue writing detailed reports as needed going forward...

With abundant blessings for great success in your most important holy work—to nullify and uproot the law regarding "Who is a Jew"—with health and proper inspiration.

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from Monday 23rd MarCheshvan with its enclosures etc. Thank you very much for sending copies according to Admor's instructions; surely you will seek out more material to send going forward...

With blessings for success in kollel matters generally.

With blessings that there be vitality and success in your shlichus specifically.

With blessings for success in your affairs—and especially in outreach.

Respectfully—with mazal tov blessings for your brother's departure—and may he arrive safely at his destination with proper arrangements among Jews.

I acknowledge receipt of your letter/report since then. With blessings for activity done properly—and success therein.

With blessings for proper arrangements among Jews.

P.S.: Z.A.: I received your letter dated 16 Teves; its enclosures will be read at an auspicious time. Regarding their place/arrangements—consult local friends.

I acknowledge receipt of your previous letter—and surely things have improved since then; may it continue so. With abundant blessings for much success—in prayer, Torah study, and acts of kindness.

Summary

The Rebbe highlights how Yud Tes Kislev falling on a "doubled good" day inspires us toward increased action in Torah study, mitzvos—including tzedakah—and communal outreach. The spirit should be like Chanukah: not just fulfilling obligations but striving for excellence beyond basic requirements.