Chanukah by the Rebbe was about spreading light, as indicated by lighting of the menorah at night time and its placement near the door.

In 5734 (1973), the Rebbe instituted Mivtza Chanukah, encouraging chassidim to go out and share the light of Chanukah with fellow Yidden. Indeed, that year, dozens of bochurim and yungeleit took to the streets, and they inspired thousands of Yidden to celebrate Chanukah by lighting the menorah.

Towards the end of Chanukah, the Rebbe announced that he would distribute Chanukah Gelt to all those who went out on mivtzoim. Each participant would receive one dollar from the Rebbe.

Reb Yaakov Yehuda Hecht had been very active in organizing the mivtzoim. When his turn came to receive a dollar, the Rebbe said to him, “Truthfully, you deserve more than one dollar. But when a mother gives to her children, she gives them all the same amount…”