By the Grace of G‑d
Erev Chanukah, 5731
[December 22, 1970]
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Thank you very much for your letter of the 16th of Kislev. I was particularly gratified to be informed that you have given instructions to the architect to prepare plans for the new building extension.

This news happily coincides with the special message which I issued at the farbrengen of Yud Tes Kislev to the effect that all those who will begin new building projects this year will benefit from a special contribution from our Yud Tes Kislev Fund, as a token personal participation on my part. No doubt you have already heard about it. As a matter of fact, I immediately received a telegraphic confirmation from Australia that they have started a new building project there. The news of your project is the second. I also received similar good news from Eretz Yisroel.

I am pleased to inform you that for your building program in London, the sum of $1000.00 has been earmarked, and it will be made available to you as soon as you will let us know that you have started implementing your construction plans.

May G‑d grant that your involvement and inspiration in the activities of Lubavitch, particularly in the area of kosher Chinuch, should stand you and all yours, as well as all your co-workers and participants, in good stead in your personal affairs as well. May this be in accordance with the teaching and spirit of Chanukah, which we are about to celebrate by kindling the lights in growing numbers from day to day. So may G‑d grant you a growing measure of Hatzlocho in spreading the light of the Torah and Mitzvos, both within the home and outside. Indeed, as the Gemoro meaningfully expresses it, the time of lighting the Chanukah candles is when the sun sets, indicating that if the sun has set and there is darkness in the environment at large, the Jew is not frightened, but begins to light a candle the first day, and two candles the next, and so on. It is surely unnecessary to elaborate.

May G‑d grant that you should have further good news to report on all above, and in the essential aspect, namely, that you and your wife should have much true Yiddish nachas from all your offspring.

Wishing you and yours a happy and inspiring Chanukah,

With blessing,