Channukah reminds us against falling for the allure of “Greek” culture, despite it gaining proponents within our nation
By the Grace of G-d
7th of Teveth, 5722
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Chaim Yakob Lipchitz
168 Warbarton Ave.
Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Greeting and Blessing:
...As we have recently celebrated Chanukah, I cannot by-pass the message of Chanukah, which has such a direct bearing on our subject matter. For Chanukah recalls not only a battle for political freedom and independence, but mainly a battle of cultures. The Greeks wanted to introduce their culture and way of life into the Holy Land, claiming that there was much beauty in their art and sports which should supersede all other considerations. The Jews, however, resisted this with their very lives, and now we can see that of the ancient Greek sculptures there are only remnants in museums and the like, while the Jews are still very much a living nation, and their values have retained their eternal aspect. Yet in those days there were a number of prominent individuals, even among the Jews, who argued in favor of the Greek ideas against those of ours. But the Chanukah lights that we kindle to this day, which illuminate the Jewish home, serve as a perennial reminder of the vital issues, and the message is still very timely.
I hope that you will reconsider your position in the light of the above, and may G-d grant you many happy and healthy years to serve the cause of traditional Judaism by using your Divinely given gifts to strengthen the eternal values of our people, in full harmony with the Torah, along the lines which we had occasion to discuss.
With kindest personal regards, and
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
