By the Grace of G-d

17 Kislev, 5752

Beginning from today, the 17th of Kislev (whose numerical equivalent in Hebrew, ü"àê, means "good"); continuing on the 18th of Kislev (whose numerical equivalent in Hebrew, ëç, means "alive"'); and on the 19th of the month, Yud-Tes Kislev itself: may you be inscribed -- and may that inscription be sealed -- for a good year in the study of Chassidus and in chassidic ways of conduct.

This includes prodigious activity in all the Mivtza'im, and in general, in Torah, in deeds of kindness, and in prayer.

Additional emphasis on the above is granted this year, for Yud-Tes Kislev falls on a Tuesday, the day on which the expression "And G-d saw that it was good" was repeated. And as our Sages explain, this refers to a twofold good, "Good for the heavens" and "Good for the created beings."

The above activities should all be brought to fruition energetically, in a manner of Uforatzta: "And you shall spread forth westward, eastward, northward, and southward."

There is added emphasis on all of the above in the present year, for it is a leap year, which the Torah describes as a "perfect year." More particularly, the Hebrew acronym for the present year 5752 (ü"ÉÖÜ) contains an allusion to the words 'ëä

îï îïÄ îïü ÜàÇîöÉ ÜÉÖ ÇäÜ -- "This will surely be a year of wonders in all things," and thus relates to the threefold expression of blessing granted to our Patriarchs, bakol mikol kol.

And from these days, we will proceed to the days of preparation for Chanukah and to Chanukah itself, whose message is -- and indeed, it grants the potential for this message to be actualized -- for each and every person to kindle "the lamp of mitzvah and the light of Torah" "at the outside of the entrance to his home," and to increase the light shining at the entrance to his home from day to day, causing it to shine outward throughout the entire year.

May you all be successful in the above mission. These days are also auspicious days, which hasten the fulfillment of the prayer and blessing of Moshe our teacher on behalf of each and every member of the Jewish people. This prayer is expressed as follows, at the conclusion of Psalm 90 (Tzaddik), in the Book composed by the sweet singer of Israel -- David, the anointed king (Malka Meshicha):

"May the pleasantness of G-d our L-rd be upon us; establish for us the work of our hands (interpreted by the Sages to mean, 'May the Divine Presence dwell in the work of our hands'); establish for us the work of our hands."

And may this be realized in the building of the Third Beis HaMikdash -- speedily in our days, in the true and complete Redemption, led by Mashiach. May this take place in the immediate future.

With respectful blessings,

/Signed: Menachem Schneerson/