English translation — שיחת יום ג׳ פ׳ מקץ, כ״ח כסלו, אור לה׳ דחנוכה ה״תשמ״ז לילדים וילדות - ״צבאות השם״ - שיחיו - בגית הכנסת, לאחרי תפלת מנחה והדלקת נר ה׳ דחנוכה

They said the twelve verses and the sayings of our Sages of blessed memory.

And afterward they sang the melody "We Want Moshiach Now".

Since that gathering a year ago

(during the days of Chanukah²)

a year's time has already passed.

It is an addition to becoming older by a year,

Then each one of you,

and especially those who belong to "Tzivos Hashem" and conduct themselves as is fitting for "Tzivos Hashem",

have certainly become a year wiser

(and even more so — in quality)

And being from "Tzivos Hashem",

it is understood that your increased wisdom is connected with the wisdom of the Torah,

"for it is your wisdom and understanding"³,

The Torah that the Almighty gave to each one of you and each one of us and each one of the entire Jewish people,

so that they conduct themselves as befits a "wise and understanding nation"³,

And not only regarding themselves,

But "love your neighbor as yourself."

This is a great principle in the Torah"⁴

(as you have just said³)

— influence on your friends and

Chavrusas

(boys with boys and girls with girls)

Until, even if there is a child who for the time being does not conduct himself

(for whatever reason it may be)

as is fitting for "Tzivos Hashem",

one counts him

(or her)

Then "Behold, the L‑rd stands over him* etc. and examines the kidneys and heart if he serves Him properly"⁶,

The Almighty Himself

(the “Commander‑in‑Chief”)

stands next to every Jewish child,

and observes whether he serves the Almighty as is fitting for a Jewish child

(and especially for “Tzivos Hashem”)

And as we especially learn from the Chanukah lights — lighting the lights “at the entrance of his house on the outside”*,

indeed illuminating "his house",

within his home,

but in such a way that it illuminates the entire surroundings,

•outside"¹⁹,

with "the candle of mitzvah and Torah light"⁸',

(Chanukah candle)

so that even in the entire world they should recognize openly

76ו

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

Then

as you have just said⁵

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"²',

a world that the Supreme Being created and leads it on¹¹i,

until effecting that it should be "Hashem rejoices in His works"¹⁴,

that the conduct of the world should be in a manner that the Supreme Being is satisfied with it and

(Later —)

Joyfully, so to speak,

And it is "Yisrael rejoices in its Maker",

that Jews rejoice in fulfilling the instructions of the Supreme One

(as it says in His Torah)

It is therefore understandable,

that by learning Torah and conducting yourselves according to the instructions in the Torah, and also illuminating your surroundings during the past year — you have gained a great deal of wisdom,

Both regarding oneself,

and both regarding illuminating one's surroundings.

Therefore it is understood that the time has already come for you to be given — and you certainly desire

(and surely in truth you desire this)

— a "new mission"⁶,

a new role and mission in your service as "Tzivos Hashem",

to illuminate oneself,

"His home" and "outside" with "a candle of mitzvah and Torah light".

As the order is in every camp,

and certainly "the camps of G-d",

that one does not remain

standing in one place and in the same state

(even a good place and state)

but one must constantly ascend higher and higher.

As we learn specifically from the Chanukah lights which are lit in the manner of "מוסיף והולר״י׳": not looking at that on the first night the mitzvah was fulfilled by lighting one candle,

the next day one lights two candles,

B.

So too in "נר מצוה ותורה אור": after a Jew fulfills a mitzvah or learns a matter in Torah,

he is not satisfied with it,

rather he shows that the Almighty gave "נר מצוה ותורה אור" in which one holds and grows,

Both regarding illuminating oneself and regarding illuminating all around.

Therefore it is a simple thing that you are not content with the "missions*" that you have accomplished until now

(not looking at the fact that you carried them out in the best manner,

and with joy

("Israel shall rejoice in its Maker")

and also the Almighty was happy with it

("The Lord shall rejoice in His works")

— Because since you have become a year older,

a year when you have ascended in Torah study and observance of mitzvos,

in a manner of "Mosif veHoleid" — you now deserve

(and they will certainly give you)

a "new mission".

As explained further.

And it is very fitting to begin

(regarding)

The New

Tuesday, Parshat Miketz,

the 28th of Kislev, the fifth light of Chanukah

"mission" in the days of Chanukah,

and especially in today's n'og Chanukah — because,

As discussed earlier,

The,

Order of the Day"

(Mitzvas Hayom¹⁴")

of the days of Chanukah in general underscores the general.

Mission"

(Tafkid)

of,

Tzivos Hashem\: to illuminate oneself and one's own home

(,

his home")

and the whole Edom

(,

outside")

with.

A mitzvah is a candle and Torah is light",

And doing in this manner of,

adds and continues"

rising ever higher and higher.

And especially when one stands before the light of Hashem of Chanukah,

When one has lit five lights — the majority,

majority"

of the eight days and candles of Chanukah.

And as is known that.

"rov k'chulo""¹,

When one has a majority,

it is easier to carry out the entire matter.

And in our case: when we have a majority of the days of Chanukah,

"ner mitzvah v'Torah or",

it is easier to carry out the perfection of illuminating oneself and the world with,

A mitzvah is a lamp and Torah is light.

And particularly in this year,

when this also occurs on the third day, which was doubled with 'ki tov'²,

good for heaven and good for creatures²² — which teaches everyone that one needs to illuminate and make good in matters connected with the Above,

and to illuminate and make good

in matters connected with people around him.

Therefore it is fitting that on this day of Chanukah one should begin the new,

mission for,

Tzivos Hashem" does not illuminate itself,

his house" and "outside".

The "new mission" — and with an introduction:

Surely knows

(and feels)

each one of you how precious and beloved you are to your parents.

And when you ask a request from your parents,

They will certainly fulfill it.

And especially a request connected with Chanukah — that you ask your parents,

additional"

(addition)

Chanukah gelt,

Chanukah presents,

And when the parents see that you mean it truly,

And when this matter concerns you — they will surely fulfill your request and give you the gifts.

And regarding our topic — the new,

Mission for,

Tzivos Hashem:

Your new.

Mission is to ask your parents*²

(of course with respect and honoring father and mother)

Advice to give •Chanukah

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

"Money" — they should help you carry out

(and they will do so more the more you are with them in person)

To make from your house

(and especially beginning from your room in the house)

a "house" upon which the Almighty says²,

and I will dwell among them"²⁶,

Then G‑dliness and Judaism rest there.

Through²⁷ this it becomes a "house of prayer",

"house of Torah" and a "house of acts of kindness"²: a house where one also asks every kind from the Almighty

(prayer)

a house where one hears there and reviews and learns matters of Torah,

and a house from which charity and acts of kindness go out for those who need it,

people or institutions

(such as educational institutions,

a cheder,

Talmud Torah,

yeshivah and the like)

And even though in the house all these matters are already present — nevertheless, there is no limit to goodness,

And as the Chanukah lights teach that one must continue to increase in "a mitzvah is a lamp and the Torah is light" — one can always add to this,

so that it becomes lighter and lighter.

And when the parents will see that the children are distributing the "Chanukah gelt",

and they ask for it with sincerity — they will

surely fulfill,

and make their house

(or strengthen)

a house of prayer,

Torah and acts of kindness,

and especially — when they

(the parents)

will see that you set a living example,

by the fact that you begin to establish such a "house of prayer,

Torah and gemach* from your own room,

a room where the Almighty dwells there openly — by the fact that as soon as you get up from sleep² you say there "Modeh Ani",

and then Birkot HaShachar,

in which you thank the Almighty for all His kindnesses

(prayer)

And you have there a charity box

(Gemach)

and also a Chumash,

a Siddur and the like that belongs to your

(Torah)

And this will surely help that the parents fulfill your request to make the entire house a house of prayer,

Torah and Gemilas Chassadim,

or to add and expand in this — that is in addition to the prayer,

Torah and Gemilas Chassadim that are already in this house,

should increase in it more and more.

Until when — that the house and the parents in the house will influence also their relatives and acquaintances and also all the houses around them,

that they should also become

(or become greater and more luminous)

Batei Tefillah,

Torah and Gemach.

As Chanukah teaches — that one lights,

Ner Mitzvah V'Torah Ohr,

at the entrance of his house from the outside": first of all one must it ag-

Yom Gimmel, Parshas Miketz,

Kislev 28, Ohr L'Hashem d'Chanukah

79 and

Light,

(at the entrance)

his house",

Oy, that it is not seen that this is,

his house",

that a true Jewish house,

upon which the Almighty says "And I will dwell among them"; and so too the house has a,

entrance of his house",

One makes the air light,

from outside,

in all the houses around,

I, starting from the nearest ones,

and then the houses that are further

(a little or a bit further)

Until we will carry out the above-mentioned,

"Mishan" — that in the whole world they will recognize openly how.

"In the beginning G‑d created the heavens and the earth."

And this brings that.

"Hashem rejoices in His works,"

And especially through that which you have.

"contributed" in this through filling the new.

"Mishaz" to add more joy in the Above,

which then gives the Above,

self-evident,

more.

Chanukah gifts\

in abundance.

and successes,

that you should be even more successful in.

A mitzvah is a lamp and Torah is light\

learning Torah and fulfilling mitzvos,

and bring even more nachas to your parents,

the entire family and all of Israel.

And all this together will hasten even more the true and complete redemption through Mashiach Tzidkeinu.

And we will see how Aharon HaKohen²⁴ kindles the Menorah in the greatest,

Beis — of the Al-mighty.

Beis

HaMikdash"⁵¹,

And from it goes forth light to the entire world⁵⁵.

And David, to whom you will add to all the above-mentioned — will further add to the,

Chanukah gifts" that the Almighty gives to every Jew and all Jews,

starting from the sons and daughters of Israel.

Until the most essential gift — the true and complete redemption through our righteous Moshiach,

who is one of the eight princes of man*⁵,

speedily, in our days, literally.

* * *

As mentioned several times,

one has a directive also from this,

or on the day — from the parts of Torah that one learns on that particular day,

a Torah that is called,

Toras Chaim",

a directive⁵⁵ in life,

in daily life,

Because every Jew*⁵,

First of all, in this very life,

And then influence also upon others that they should also conduct themselves thus.

•

80ו

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

Among the sections in the Torah of today — we will begin with the Chumash lesson of the weekly portion of the fifth day of the week.

(Continuation of the H. of Chanukah,

In accordance with this, what they had just kindled the fifth light)

— from Thursday until Friday” in P³⁰ Mikeitz.

There it is recounted,

that when the sons of Jacob heard that the "ruler of the land"³⁸

(Joseph)

accuses them as spies³ and wants to punish them — they said among themselves "And they said one to another: 'Indeed we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he implored us and we did not listen, therefore this distress has come upon us.'""".

That is: Even though they had heard clearly from the ruler

(Joseph)

thinking that he is an Egyptian

(not knowing that he is Joseph)

that he wants to punish them because they were not honest now in Egypt — but they immediately thought that the reason for this is a sin to G-d,

and which they committed more than twenty years before this⁴,

even though in the meantime they had experienced quite many things!

And the reason for this is simply: the tribes knew that the Almighty conducts the world,

and there is no random occurrence in the world, Heaven forbid,

"And behold, G-d stands over him... and examines the kidneys and heart to see if he serves Him properly,"

He looks upon each of them and knows what happened to them throughout their entire lives; therefore they understood,

since "this calamity has come upon us,"

there must be a matter concerning which they need to do teshuvah, because of which the calamity came.

They searched and could not find a flaw in their deeds throughout all those years⁴²,

until the matter of the sale of Yosef over twenty years earlier,

And they felt that they needed to repent for it,

and they repented⁴³.

And this caused a change — that instead of what previously Yosef had said, 'one of your brothers shall be imprisoned'⁴⁴,

it became, 'And he imprisoned

(only)

the two of them',

'and when they went out, he took them out and fed them and gave them drink'⁴³,

the satiety,

In the first year or second of the two years of famine,

and afterwards Jacob came to Egypt,

twenty-two years after the sale of Joseph

(Parshas Vayeishev 37,

according to the words of Joseph.

For this that the famine ceased in the midst of the land...

(Vayigash mah,

Tuesday, 9th of Miketz,

B"Ch b'Selo ohr l'Hashem d'Chanukah

And regarding the other brothers — it is not only "Go bring wages of famine to your houses"

(as Yosef said earlier)

Just more — "to return" their money,

"and to give" them provisions for the road"

(a conduct that is entirely incomprehensible,

especially because they had repented in the meantime,

as above)

And eventually it led to Jacob and his household all coming entirely to Egypt,

where there was no famine,

And there itself — "in the best of the land".

From the conduct of Yaakov's sons

(Bnei Yaakov)

One learns from this a lesson and guidance for every Jew

(for every Jew is a child of Yaakov Avinu")

Everything that happens to a person in general and to a Jew in particular

[What "and all your people are righteous" ]

is not accidental, heaven forbid,⁵

but rather by divine providence,

and with good intention.

Even when a Jew encounters an undesirable thing,

he must look into himself and search,

and search further,

perhaps

Is this because the Almighty found in him something for which he needs to do teshuvah³⁹,

or should have done better; and it can even be something that happened over twenty years ago.

Even when the undesirable situation is apparently connected with a chance occurrence — he must know that there is no chance in the world,

but everything depends on the Almighty,

and the Almighty brought him to such a state,

in order to awaken him to repent and rectify the thing that was lacking,

and from now on do everything better and better.

And in addition, one has the learning,

So when he makes a cheshbon tzedek and is not afraid to acknowledge that he did an unwanted thing,

Even if this was years ago,

And he will do teshuvah on it,

And decide that mekani v'heilech he will do better and better — the teshuvah will correct and transform everything,

Until it will be "Hashem will illuminate my darkness"⁵⁵,

Not only wipe away but illuminate the unwanted thing,

Until itahpecha chashocha l'nehora⁷ and it becomes ever sweeter and more luminous

(increasing and going like the Chanukah lights)

82ו

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

Yud.

In this, however, one must turn away from the "cleverness",

the evil inclination,

which wishes to prevent a Jew from doing repentance and improving his ways,

and, heaven forbid, also bring him down to do undesirable things.

What then is the first "mission" of "Tzivos Hashem" throughout the entire year — not to allow the evil inclination to fool you, G‑d forbid,

or try to bring you down,

and weaken your learning of Torah and fulfillment of mitzvos.

And also for this, there is a special lesson and a special empowerment from the chapter of Tehillim of the fifth day of Chanukah,

which begins with the request "Rescue me, Hashem, from an evil person."

We ask the Almighty that He should free us from an "evil person"

(and so on and so forth)

from the evil inclination — the leader of the "evil person."

That is,

that in addition to the general empowerment of the days of Chanukah regarding the matter of "delivering etc. the wicked into the hands of the righteous"

(as we say in "Al Hanissim")

teaches he the lesson of Psalms each one of Iyar,

that he has nothing to fear from the evil inclination

("evil man")

Because he has a way to be completely freed from him,

Through this he asks the Almighty "חלצני ה׳ מאדם רע".

What this will bring is that the "evil person" will be frightened of him and flee from him,

And stop trying to disturb him etc.

And on the contrary: it will be as it says at the end of the psalm — "אר צדיקים יודו"

לשמר ישבו ישרים את פניד״“

(As we just said at the end of the Mincha prayer)

: One recognizes is air,

Since you are members of 'and all say, they are righteous,'

So among you is 'give thanks to the Name,'

You keep praising the Almighty.

So this already does not allow for any unwanted things to be done.

Until as it stands at the end of this lesson of Tehillim⁶³ — that the Jewish people and a Jewish home

(home)

is blessed with 'our sons⁴¹ as plants grown in their youth⁴² our daughters as corner pillars carved etc.'⁴³,

Both the boys and the girls in the home grow up as is fitting for Jewish children,

as David Hamelekh points out in Sefer Tehillim in general,

and in this psalm in particular.

And when "our sons" and "our daughters" behave in such a manner,

one says

(as the conclusion of the psalm⁴⁴)

— "Happy is the people for whom it is so,"

Happier is the people that has such children

(sons and daughters)

And also conduct themselves as "plantings grown in their youth" and "in polished corners"

(until then therefore "Hashem rejoices in His deeds")

and

(this comes through this and because of this that)

"Praiseworthy is the nation whose G-d is Hashem",

happy

(and joyful)

is the people that the Almighty

(Hashem)

is "his G-d",

Tuesday of Parshat Miketz,

28 Kislev, the eighth day of Chanukah

Yisrael be happy in its Maker"⁵*

(And • Hashem rejoices in His works"*־)

In addition to the above-mentioned studies of the daily portion of Chumash and daily portion of Tehillim — you have a study for "Zechus HaShem" from the daily portion

(Dinei Hashem d'Chanukah)

in the Sefer HaMitzvos of the Rambam {as Jewish children learn each day a portion in Sefer HaMitzvos of the Rambam — each one has his "order of the day",

the mitzvah of that day]

Today's "order of the day" according to the Rambam's Sefer HaMitzvos•* is — the negative commandment: "He warned not to take a pledge from a widow whether poor or rich, as it is stated"⁴⁸ "You shall not take a garment pledge from a widow."

And from this we have a lesson in "Love your fellow as yourself,"

How much one must be careful not to bother or touch another person,

Even in a case where it appears that it will not harm the other,

and b)

Even when it can harm you,

and c)

Even when one does not have a supervisor, this one bothers that one:

In the mitzvah of "Love your neighbor as yourself," there are not properly interpreted details as needed in the above-mentioned cases; but in the

the aforementioned mitzvah in the Shiur Rambam,

one has advice, a clear ruling in these cases:

When there is a widow

(not intended for any family)

and she is a rich woman,

A rich woman,

She lacks nothing

(seemingly)

— one may not take anything from her

(take a pledge)

that might cause her pain and remind her that she has a flaw that is improper,

Even though that 1)

she is a wealthy woman,

And b)

The lender does not intend to bother her at all,

He only wants to take a collateral in order to secure an item that he lent her,

And c)

The not taking a collateral from the lender — nevertheless,

Since there is a doubt and a shadow of doubt that this can hurt the widow,

He may not take any collateral,

And he must put the loan at risk.

(his own money)

And to such an extent does this matter,

that the Almighty made it into a negative commandment from the Torah, "Do not take a widow's garment as a pledge"!

And through the fact that a Jew is extremely careful not to touch another person

(even a doubt)

— the Almighty conducts Himself with him

(and pays him for it)

"measure for measure",

and much more than that — and He protects him from "an evil person",

and protects him,

each one of you and each one of us within the community of Israel,

that no adversary can harm us,

and certainly not the evil inclination,

because

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

One is completely freed from it,

And one drives it completely away.

And on the contrary: One continues to increase the victory of "the wicked into the hands of the righteous",

And in a manner of adding and continuing,

As we learn from what the Chanukah lights relate⁴⁹,

As above.

And this also gives more strength to cause the entire house to be a "house of prayer",

"Beis Torah" and "Beis Gemilas Chasadim"

(as discussed above, sec. 65)

until one hastens further to the "May the Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days"⁷³ literally.

* * *

According to the regular order,

we will now confer together in the manner of concluding the gathering:

It is customary at all gatherings

— and especially at a gathering during Chanukah,

when one is "adding and increasing" in goodness and holiness,

and on Chanukah itself — the fifth candle,

which is a special festival in Chabad, as is known⁷⁴,

and in addition

also on the third day, where 'it was good' was doubled —

that in addition to the subject of prayer,

If we previously all together davened Minchah,

And Torah — reciting the twelve verses and sayings of our Sages — we also conclude with the matter of tzedakah.

Therefore, each of you will be given coins for tzedakah,

And since it is Chanukah — an addition will be made: each of you will be given three coins,

one for tzedakah in general,

a second for tzedakah connected with Chanukah,

and a third — that each person should do with it what he

(she)

Wants,

As good in his eyes.

And in the merit of the children of 'Tzivos Hashem' — we will also give three coins of "Chanukah gelt" to the adults who are present here.

In order to emphasize that every thing that a Jew does in serving G‑d — must be done in a manner of "Yismach Yisrael be'Oseihem",

All the more so regarding "Mosif veHoled" in a gathering during Chanukah — we will

(as usual)

also sing joyous melodies:

First of all — the melody preceding the study of Tehillim from the Ner Hashem of Chanukah — "Then the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.*

Then — surely on the melody "May the Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days."

And surely also the melody about which they tell and proclaim and announce to everyone — that "Nit nit nikava,"

There is no other thing besides the Above,

"There is none beside Him"⁷⁵.

Tuesday, Parshat Miketz,

Second day of Chanukah, 8th of Kislev,

85v

And in addition to the usual joy in singing joyous melodies — at this moment there must be an added joy,

For several reasons: a> One finds oneself together with a multitude of Jews,

which in itself is a joy.

During the days of Chanukah,

which are "days of joy" according to the ruling of the Rambam.

And especially in the fifth candle,

What is a Yom Tov and a day of joy in Lubavitch

(as above)

And before all this — we will all pray together one prayer,

the afternoon prayer.

And it is connected specifically with Chanukah — because the time of lighting the Chanukah candle is "from sunset"•⁷,

the time of the evening prayer⁷.

And the intent of this "the sun sets" is not that it should remain thus, G‑d forbid,

But that it should immediately begin to shine for each Jew and for all Jews with the light of "sun" and "the Lord God is a shield",

And with an even greater light than it was before "the sun sets" — where it becomes "and God will light my darkness",

Which also hints at the evening prayer,

whose time is,

"my darkness",

When.

"the sun sets,"

And he encountered — he instituted the evening prayer,

for the sun had set².

And through this, what more in the time of the darkness of the exile

("my darkness")

" Jews do more and more so that Judaism and G‑dliness should shine — will accelerate it even more — and especially through the fulfillment of the mitzvah of tzedakah,

which "brings closer the redemption"⁴ — the "and G‑d will light up my darkness",

in the eternal light,

"and G‑d will be for you an everlasting light"⁵,

In the redemption that has no exile after it,

The true and eternal redemption,

Through Mashiach Tzidkeinu.

* * *

[Afterwards, two children (may they live) approached the Rebbe Shlita with pidyonos from all the children (may they live).

And afterwards, two girls approached with pidyonos from all the girls (may they live).

The Rebbe Shlita accepted the pidyonos,

And afterward he said:]

The pidyonos will

(as usual)

be brought upon the "Call!" of his holy honor, my father-in-law, the Rebbe.

And may it be His will that very soon each one of you within all of Israel shall fulfill the destiny "God will be seen in Zion"⁷,

souls in bodies,

and

© The Sichos - 5747

Show us, God, Your kindness"••,

The Almighty will show each of us,

within the entire Jewish people,

His kindness,

and Your salvation give us"••,

He will give to each of us,

Within the mixture of Israel,

and the entirety of Israel — its salvation,

until •"that the glory dwell in our land"

in the redemption

the true and complete,

speedily, in our very own days,

and Moshiach Tzidkeinu at our head.

Amen!

[After the evening prayer, they sang:

"But the righteous etc."

(The Shaliach Tzibbur, may he live, sang "Yehi Ratzon" etc.)

"May the Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days."

"Nit nit nikava."

Afterwards, His Holy Honor, the Rebbe, may he live, gave coins to the male and female counselors,

and to the "tankists" — may they live — to distribute to all those assembled, may they live.

Before his departure he began to play a melody,

niet niet nikava*]

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

Sicha of the 6th night of Chanukah 5747 - after the evening prayer and the lighting of the Chanukah candle -

Chanukah — is connected with the dedication of the Holy Temple,

And as it is said in the text of "On the Miracles": "they entered the Sanctuary of Your House and cleared Your Hall and purified Your Temple",

That is,

A new beginning after the break, etc.

And behold,

All matters related to the Beis HaMikdash are relevant

(similar to this)

also in this time — in the 'Mikdash Me'at': Y

Mikdash Me'at" — refers to the synagogue and the study hall²,

to his private home and in his innermost soul of every Jew,

as it is written,

"And they shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst,"

It does not say 'in it' but 'in their midst,'

within each and every one♦,

that is,

that the soul and home of each and every Jew become a place for the Divine Presence to dwell,

through being permeated with Torah, service

(Tefillah)

and Gemilus Chasadim

(the 3 matters that include all matters of Torah and mitzvos)

And from them light goes out to the world⁵ — that it is evident to the eye of all that upon them "the world stands"♦

(not only "this small world is man"⁶¹,

but also "world" in its simple sense, that is,

that the entire world becomes a place for the indwelling of the Shechinah — a dwelling for Him, blessed be He, in the lower realms⁶².

And so,

The days of Chanukah — the dedication of the Holy Temple — are "auspicious days" that have in them a special giving of power for education

(Chanukah)

of the "minor Temple,"

starting from the spiritual Temple in the soul of each and every Jew,

his private home,

to the synagogue and study hall,

house of Torah,

Tefillah and Gemach,

Beit Chabad,

— "Beit"

(the concept of permanence)

specifically,

as the precise wording of "to the Sanctuary of Your house,"

which,

the Temple is called in Scripture by the name,

Dvir""¹,

And nevertheless,

they add and specify "Dvir Bais'cha",

"Bais" specifically —

both by establishing new houses

(when they then do a Chanukas HaBayis in its simple sense)

and by adding and expanding in the houses that already exist,

until addition and expansion in an incomparable manner,

therefore, education is needed

(Chanukah)

in a new home.

And to note,

that the concept of addition applies especially to Chanukah — for the lighting of the Chanukah candle

(according to the halacha as per the opinion of Beis Hillel)

is in the manner that "on the first day he lights one,

From here onward, increases and goes on"¹,

And this is the simple custom⁵.

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

And from here we come to what was discussed yesterday,

The fifth candle of Chanukah — which continues on this night,

And to note that,

In regard to holy matters ¹⁴ the night follows the day"⁵ — for Jewish children before Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah,

To add and emphasize also regarding adults,

after Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah,

as follows.

And as an introduction — that the words spoken to children are words of Torah,

which was given in its entirety to every single Jew,

as it is written, 'Torah commanded us by Moses, an inheritance for the community of Jacob,'

that is,

that the entire Torah was given as an inheritance to every single one who belongs to the 'community of Jacob,'

"to the small and the great"¹⁷,

but,

that when speaking to children,

one must find the style that is appropriate and relevant to them,

a style that belongs to the method of study of "a five-year-old [begins] Scripture"•',

the simple approach,

while to adults,

one speaks in a style that is appropriate and relevant to them,

In the other methods of study,

Since,

In the study of Torah there is a "sequence of descent",

From above beyond until no end, to below below until no limit.

The content of what was said yesterday to the children — a "new command" — that the children should ask their parents that the entire house,

including and especially the children's room,

should be a house of Torah, prayer, and charity (Gemilus Chassadim),

Chabad House,

by means of this

that in their room

(at the very least)

Chumash,

Siddur and charity box

(theirs)

And especially — in a style related to children — in connection and relevance with the custom of giving "Chanukah gelt":

It is known² "the custom of Israel" to give "Chanukah gelt" to children — a custom that was seen

(also)

by our Rebbes and Nesi'im,²

and consequently,

aside from the force of "the custom of Israel is Torah"²²,

this is also a custom that has "mehadrin",

and "mehadrin min hamehadrin"²³.

And go,

suggest to the children that they ask this request of their parents

(to make from their home and room a house of Torah, prayer, and charity)

— like the inner Chanukah coins,

and certainly the parents will want to fulfill the request of the children

(and especially when they ask with things that come from the heart²⁴)

as is the nature of parents who desire to fulfill the will of the children as much as possible,

and all the more so — in matters of goodness and holiness, etc.,

as explained above at length.

And in continuation of this,

one should add and emphasize this matter

(also)

regarding adults,

after bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah,

and all the more so those after marriage,

that they have "houses" in the literal sense — that they must endeavor to make from their home

(and from all the houses around them)

a house of Torah, prayer, and gemilut chasadim,

a Chabad house.

Ner 6 of Chanukah

And they too will surely connect this with the custom of "Chanukah money"²⁵: older children after bar mitzvah and bas mitzvah — should request from their parents,

and those after marriage — the husband should request from the wife,

and the wife from the husband,

And so forth regarding old men and old women,

to help each other in all matters related to establishing a house of Torah, prayer, and charity.

And more specifically regarding a man and woman — since the order according to the Torah is that 'he shall rule over you'²⁴,

And on the other hand,

the woman is 'a helpmate opposite him'²⁷,

then,

the woman should ask her husband that the matter of 'he shall rule over you' should be to make the house

(more)

"Mikdash Me'at",

And similarly, the husband should ask his wife that the "ezer kenegdo" be expressed in help and assistance to make the home

(more)

"Mikdash Me'at",

for the woman is the "akeret habayit."

And it is understood,

that the above also applies to homes that have already become houses of Torah, prayer, and gemach — that one should increase in this with greater vigor and strength,

as per the instruction of the Chanukah light of "mosif veholeich"

(as above, sec. 1)

And in practice:

One should utilize the remaining days of Chanukah this year to publicize everywhere about the effort to establish houses of Torah, prayer, and charity,

Chabad houses,

in every place,

including and especially — to make from his private home of each and every Jew a house of Torah, prayer, and charity.

And all this — from within the noise

(

storm")

the greatest noise of holiness,

until it stirs up! the world

("to upheave the world")

From which they will see and so do even those who are currently in concealment and hiding of the world².

It is understood and even simple that the action in all the above should be in pleasant ways and ways of peace²,

specifically in a manner of "and I redeemed you in peace"³,

But,

Together with this,

with noise

("storm")

the greatest,

because,

Specifically in this manner the matter is done in a way of dissemination,

"adds and increases".

And another point in this — that those who are involved in arousing regarding the aforementioned,

need to show a living example and increase themselves and their households in all these matters with greater strength and vigor,

how many times so,

for,

the nature of a student and one who is influenced is to be satisfied with a conduct that is akin to and part of the conduct of the Rav and the influencer,

and accordingly,

In order to operate in a particular measure,

the rav and the mashpia need to add to this matter several times like this,

so that they will learn from him something similar.

96

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

Likewise, we must rouse and urge once more regarding the lighting of the Chanukah menorah in public places:

"Ner Chanukah mitzvah,

"to place it at the entrance of his house on the outside"³¹,

"because of publicizing the miracle"³²,

and all the more so when

(aside from the lighting "at the entrance of his house on the outside")

they light the Chanukah candle

(also)

"on the outside" literally,

and the very "outside" in the most public and central place — then an additional "publicizing the miracle" is added with greater strength and vigor.

And go,

One must arouse and urge once again that they utilize the remaining days of Chanukah this year to light Chanukah candles in the greatest manner of "pirsumei nisa",

By means of this, that in every city and town,

village and settlement, etc.,

they should light Chanukah candles in the most public and central place.

[If there is a possibility to light in several places — how good,

the main thing is,

but,

That the "publicity of the miracle" be in the greatest possible manner,

As mentioned,

in the most public and central place]

And on this occasion — to stir the assembled regarding the lighting of the Chanukah candle in the home of each and every one,

including — the spiritual and inner content of the Chanukah candle,

to illuminate his home with "a lamp of mitzvah and Torah light"³³,

until the home becomes a home of Torah, prayer, and charity,

from which light goes out to the entire environment,

as above at length.

And another essential point in this — regarding the effect on Bnei Noach:

The lighting of the Chanukah candle "at the entrance of his house from the outside" — affects all those outside,

in the public domain,

including also the nations of the world,

and in the language of the Gemara³¹ — "until the feet of the Tarmodi cease,"

as the inner interpretation³⁴,

that the Chanukah candle nullifies

("kolei")

the reality of rebellion against G‑d

("Tarmod is the letters of moredes"³⁵)

until the nullification of the "leg of the Tarmodaite",

the lowest level, etc.

Therefore,

One must utilize the opportunity of the lighting of the Chanukah candle in the most public and central places — to also awaken regarding the observance of the commandments that were commanded to the descendants of Noah,

and emphasize,

that their observance should be "because the Holy One, blessed be He, commanded them in the Torah"³⁴,

which,

through this one nullifies the reality of "Termodai*"

(rebellion against G‑d,

G‑d forbid)

That this is the content of the Chanukah lights.

And with special emphasis — in this country:

With G‑d's kindness,

we are in a country that is a "kingdom of kindness"

(the complete opposite of the "wicked Greek kingdom" that was defeated in the days of Chanukah³⁷)

As for,

the president of the state declares and encourages regarding the fulfillment of the Seven Noahide Laws,

and in the aforementioned emphasis,

that this is not "the law of the land",

an act of human beings,

but rather,

a command of the Holy One, blessed be He,

the Creator and Leader of the world.

Nun-Daled, the sixth of Chanukah

91v

And the hope is strong — that he will add in this even more,

And especially when they will add to exert themselves in this matter.

And one should add and connect this matter with the Chumash lesson of the fifth candle of Chanukah* — in the fixed [schedule] of this year:

The Chumash lesson of the fifth candle,

Its conclusion and seal*⁵,

Ah, the Elokim I fear\"*.

And consider yourself:

It is about,

the ruler of the land"⁴¹,

who,

Pharaoh king of Egypt,

who was,

supreme ruler"⁴¹,

appointed him to

ruler over all the land of Egypt"⁴⁵,

in such a way that "without you no man shall lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt"*,

and by virtue of his position as "ruler over all the land of Egypt,"

"the nakedness of the land"⁴⁵ — as those with whom he spoke saw him,

who did not recognize him as Yosef,

but rather as,

"the lord of the land"*⁴ — he declares openly in the sight of all:,

I fear G-d

And regarding our matter:

Since the President of the State declares,

"I fear G-d,"

therefore,

we must fulfill the commandments of G-d,

the Seven Noahide Laws — we can and must use this matter to

to add with greater vigor and strength in publicizing and disseminating the Seven Noahide Laws to all inhabitants of the world.

*

And we should add,

that in this year there is a special empowerment regarding all the aforementioned matters:

This year is the Sabbatical year —,

a Sabbath to the L-rd⁴.

And its beginning and start,

Rosh HaShanah״,

which includes all the days of the year* — falls on Shabbat.

And in addition to this,

also the days of Chanukah of this year — their beginning on Shabbat,

and their end and seal — on Shabbat*⁴.

And from this it is understood,

that in this year there is a special empowerment that the service

(of the entire whole year,

ובמיוחד)

In matters related to the days of Chanukah,

Should be done in the manner and likeness of the service of Shabbat — that,

All your work is done"⁵⁰,

And all its essence is the concept of pleasure,

And call the Shabbat a delight"⁵¹ — service out of rest and pleasure,

And it is obvious,

Without any opposition,

hindrance or delay,

and with greater ease than can be imagined.

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

And as they saw tangibly in this very year,

that in all places where they engaged in the action of lighting the Chanukah candle in the manner of "פירסומי ניסא" — they succeeded in this,

and with ease,

to the extent of beyond what was estimated.

And it is understood,

that when the Holy One, blessed be He, helps so that success in this comes easily,

behold,

the intention in this is — not to spare the effort,

but rather,

that the effort should be in matters even more elevated,

as is known⁵² the story about the words of the Tzemach Tzedek regarding the offer of the Alter Rebbe to give him Torah matters as a gift,

that the more he would receive as a gift,

One must continue and toil for more elevated matters.

And similarly in our case,

That when one succeeds easily in lighting the Chanukah candle in a manner of "publicizing the miracle" — one should not be satisfied with this,

but on the contrary,

one must continue and toil in this in a manner of "increasing and going forward",

and in particular — when one "listens to the story of the Chanukah lights"

(as the saying of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe⁵³: "One must listen to what the candles tell us.")

And to all, first — the instruction of "increasing and progressing" in all matters of "a candle of commandment".

and Torah light.

Furthermore, and this is essential — that the fixation on the Sabbath day emphasizes the preparation for "a day that is entirely Shabbos and rest for the life of the worlds"⁵⁴,

starting with the taste in "Erev Shabbos",

Those who taste it merit life⁵⁵,

until tasting "from every dish"⁵⁶.

*

And the deed is the main thing⁵⁷:

It is necessary to publicize in every place that they utilize the remaining days of Chanukah to increase with greater emphasis and greater strength in all the matters mentioned — both regarding the lighting of the Chanukah candle in the manner of 'publicizing the miracle',

and also regarding actions to illuminate with 'a candle of mitzvah and Torah light' by establishing houses of Torah, prayer, and Gemilus Chassadim.

And in order to add encouragement and vigor to all these activities — by publicizing the matters,

'It is a mitzvah to publicize those who perform a mitzvah'⁵,

and especially according to our Sages of blessed memory⁵ 'If Reuven had known that the Holy One, blessed be He, records about him, etc.' — it is worthwhile and proper that they send 'pictures' of the activities that were done during the days of Chanukah,

in order to publicize them in print⁶⁰.

And simply,

That even after the days of Chanukah, one must continue with all the activities to illuminate with "a mitzvah candle and Torah light,"

And on the contrary — we ascend in holiness with even greater vigor and strength,

as per the instruction of the days of Chanukah — "adds and goes up.

ascends in holiness".

Yud.

And may it be His will that through our actions and our service in the aforementioned matters — the establishment of houses of Torah, prayer, and Gemach,

Chabad Houses,

and the kindling of the Chanukah light in the manner of 'publicizing the miracle' — we will merit very soon the dedication of the Third Holy Temple,

"The innermost chamber of Your House* literally,

and the kindling of the Menorah by Aaron the High Priest ⁶¹,

as per

Candle 6 of Chanukah

93v

which is called in the special reading for the last day of Chanukah:,

Speak¹⁰⁸ to Aaron the great, when you kindle the lamps, etc.",

In the true and complete redemption, speedily, of our righteous Mashiach.

And a special addition in all this — when a wedding takes place during the days of Chanukah

("days of merit",

that thereby there is added more in the drawing down of blessings without end)

That is the joy — for a Jewish home*,

an eternal building on the foundations of Torah and mitzvah,

Asher,

This matter becomes a close preparation for the fulfillment of the prophecy⁵*.

Speedily.

There shall be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom

and the voice of the bride, the voice of the rejoicing of the groom\",

Five voices that correspond to the five voices of the Giving of the Torah**.

And all these matters — simply and actually,

Below ten handbreadths,

that during the days of Chanukah of this year,

following the fifth light,

we go together with our righteous Mashiach* to light the Chanukah candles.

In His holy courts\

and to see the lighting of the menorah b.

Dvir Kaz-Shach\

Candles of Tziyuch•*,

Fear of God in Zion¹¹⁰,

For the request will be fulfilled.

Show us, Hashem, Your kindness, and grant us Your salvation.

To dwell honor in our land¹¹¹.

94v

Sefer HaSichos - 5747

Sicha of the 7th candle of Chanukah 5747

- After Minchah prayer

As we stand after lighting the seventh candle of Chanukah,

Behold,

Since in this year's calendar, the eighth candle of Chanukah occurs on Erev Shabbos,

thus,

that the seventh candle of Chanukah is the last time to request "Chanukah money"* this year.

Thus,

it is worthwhile to raise once again — in continuation of what was discussed previously, both regarding children and regarding adults — about the request,

the true "Chanukah money"

(in addition to,

the simple "Chanukah money" )

also on Shabbos Kodesh:

And as an introduction — that the inner content of Chanuka

(the inauguration of the Holy Temple)

In the service of man, it is,

! that every Jewish home should be a place for the dwelling of the Shechinah,

and I will dwell among them",

a small Sanctuary",

a house of Torah and prayer,

"a great house",

"That they raise in it Torah and raise in it prayer"¹,

and raise in it acts of kindness

(the entirety of all mitzvot³)

Therefore,

the children shall ask their parents,

Chanukah money" — that they make from their room

(even more than what the children do on their own)

and from the entire house,

a house of Torah, prayer, and charity.

And just as a woman asks her husband and the husband asks his wife to help each other in making the entire house a house of Torah, prayer, and charity.

And the lighting of the Chanukah candle -

And may it be His will that all this hasten the request and giving,

the "Chanukah money" of Knesset Yisrael from the Holy One, blessed be He — as known⁴ that Knesset Yisrael and the Holy One, blessed be He are compared to a man and a woman — for all their needs,

children, life, and ample sustenance,

and in all of them, abundance,

Including — success in making every house and every room a house of Torah, prayer, and gemilus chassadim,

a Chabad house,

until the entire world becomes a Chabad house,

a house where they raise Torah,

they raise prayer in it and they raise mitzvos in it — meaning that it becomes a dwelling place for Him, blessed be He, in the lower realms,

in a revealed manner,

"And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] etc."⁵,

in the true and complete redemption through our righteous Mashiach,

One and unique from "the princes of man",

That then there will also be a harp of eight strings⁴,

And moreover — a harp of ten strings⁴,

Upon the ten-stringed instrument"¹¹⁸,

Together with the tenth song",

Speedily in our days, literally,

As it is said,

In the true and complete redemption through our righteous Moshiach,

Speedily and truly in his very days.

Parshas Mikeitz,

Zos Chanukah