Igrot Kodesh · Letter 5018 — Health

B"H

9 Teves* 5717

Brooklyn

To the distinguished chassid* who fears Hashem,

Rav Elchanan HaKohen (see note 1),

Greetings and blessings,

I have duly received your letter of 22 Kislev*, and I hope you had a good Chanukah* festival.

In accordance with the teaching of the Baal Shem Tov* that we heard from my father-in-law, the Rebbe, one can derive from everything a lesson for the service of Hashem. In this case, each of us, among all of Yisrael*, can learn a lesson from Chanukah*. Indeed, one should light an additional candle each day, and moreover, one must do so even though the street grows dark.

Before lighting these lights, one recites the blessing "our Elokim*, King of the world" (see note 2), Who directs it, and from that point, one succeeds in multiplying the light and the clarity.

May Hashem grant that you accomplish all of this in good health, with a joyful heart, for long days and good years.

You will convey my greetings to Mrs. Kowen and to your son, when you write to him.

With my blessing,