The Rebbe offers guidance to incarcerated individuals, drawing parallels between their situation and the darkness of exile, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust in Hashem and and encourages the prisoners to find hope in the increasing light of Chanukah.
By Rebbe Responsa
“When a person finds himself in a situation of “after sunset,” the Rebbe writes to incarcerated individuals alluding also to the time when the Chanukah candles are kindled, “when the light of day has given way to gloom and darkness — as was the case in those ancient days under the oppressive Greek rule —”
Chanukah teaches us that: “One must not despair, G-d forbid, but on the contrary, it is necessary to fortify oneself with complete trust in G-d, the Essence of Goodness, and take heart in the firm belief that the darkness is only temporary, and it will soon be superseded by a bright light, which will be seen and felt all the more strongly through the supremacy of light over darkness, and by the intensity of the contrast.”
“And this is the meaning of lighting the Chanukah Lights, and in a manner that calls for lighting an additional candle each successive day of Chanukah — to plainly see for oneself, and to demonstrate to others passing by in the street, that light dispels darkness; and that even a little light dispels a great deal of darkness, how much more so a light that steadily grows in intensity. And if physical light has such quality and power, how much more so eternal spiritual light.”
“…The conclusion that follows from it is, that though our Jewish people is still in a state of Golus (Exile), and “darkness covers the earth,” a time when “nations rage and peoples speak vain things,” etc., there is no reason to get overly excited by it; we have only to strengthen our trust in G-d, the “Guardian of His people Israel, who slumbers not, nor sleeps,” and be confident that He will protect His people wherever they be, and will bless them with Hatzlocho in all things, and in a growing measure; and that He will hasten the coming of our Righteous Moshiach to bring us the true and complete Geulo (Redemption) which is fast approaching.”
“Similarly in regard to each individual,” the Rebbe direct the message to the prisoners “those who find themselves in a state of personal Golus — there is no cause for discouragement and despondency, G-d forbid; on the contrary, one must find increasing strength in complete trust in the Creator and Master of the Universe, that their personal deliverance from distress and confinement is on its speedy way.”
In a letter from the following year, the Rebbe addressed them again. This time the Rebbe writes more openly about their situation and how they can attain true freedom no matter where they are:
“Although man was, of course, created to be free in all his affairs, with freedom of will and freedom of action, including personal freedom in the ordinary sense, without being subjected to external constraints even for a short period of time — the real bright light in human life is the ability to see the right path in life, and follow it faithfully in terms of daily conduct, filling it with all that is bright and good, in a state of consistent inner peace and tranquility. This has to do, and is dependent upon, a person’s world outlook, including a full measure of Bitachon (trust) in G-d, the Creator and Master of the world, which has to be expressed in appropriate conduct, in actual practice, for the essential thing is the deed.”
“And this is largely up [to] the person himself,” the Rebbe continues “regardless of circumstances. For it is a matter of common knowledge that there are people who, considering their external circumstances, should be content and happy, yet they are not; while there are those whose external circumstances are just the opposite, yet they are at peace with themselves, are cheerful, and are strong in their confidence that the external circumstances will also change for the good very soon, the kind of good that is manifest and obvious.”
“Moreover, and this, too, is an essential point, this very confidence and feeling hasten and bring closer the day when the undesirable circumstances will be over and done with, if not all at once, at least gradually, and in a satisfactory manner in all respects.”
“I am strongly confident,” the Rebbe concludes with a blessing “that the Almighty will bless each and everyone of you in your needs and will fulfill your hearts’ desires for good, particularly — to regain your freedom, in the good and proper way; freedom from all constraints and distractions, including full personal liberty in the ordinary sense,”
“And, at the same time, true inner freedom in the spirit of the Festival of Chanukah and the Chanukah Lights which are kindled in increasing numbers and getting ever brighter from day to day.”
Rebbe Responsa kindly requests anyone who may be in possession of letters of the Rebbe in English, to send them by email so that these unique treasures can benefit the public.
These selected letters are sourced from the extensive collection of over 5,000 English letters written by the Rebbe, accessible through the Rebbe Responsa app.
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- For a nice collection of letter on Chanukah and public Menorah lighting click here.
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