During the course of a year, we in Manchester (as well as the many other Lubavitch centers around the globe) are constantly in touch with the Rebbe. Besides live phone hookups from Brooklyn on various important Lubavitch days when the Rebbe holds a weekday farbrengen, we are continuously kept on our feet to concentrate on the various mivtzoim (campaigns) the Rebbe has initiated.

This year, on the first day of Chanukah, we received the following instructions from the Rebbe: distribute menorahs and candles to every boy and girl who did not already have them. The Rebbe also instructed to ensure that all the children received Chanukah gelt.

I later complained to Rabbi Nachman Sudak (of London): “Why do we always have to wait until the very last minute for instructions?”

“The Rebbe waits for his instructions!” replied Rabbi Sudak.

Here in Manchester, we manufactured and distributed nearly 1,000 menorahs and many thousands of candles. The yeshiva bochurim in particular really worked hard in implementing this campaign. In due course, all those who had participated in this campaign received an invaluable reward: Chanukah gelt directly from the Rebbe.

(I always maintain that everyone eventually receives a response from the Rebbe, but not necessarily after the first letter; you may even write a few times before receiving a written response.)

A few weeks after Chanukah I wrote in one of my regular (twice-monthly) letters to the Rebbe that in light of the Chanukah success this year, and anticipating special instructions from the Rebbe for a Purim campaign, we in Manchester were already making our plans in order to be fully prepared.

In his written reply, the Rebbe expressed surprise that we had nothing to do (during the ten-week period) between Chanukah and Purim!

Here is that letter dated 8th of Shevat, 5734 [January 31, 1974]:

This is to acknowledge receipt of your correspondence, "pan,"1 regards and Purim Kit. Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness and attention.

No doubt you will receive a full report, as well as personal regards, through the visitors from Manchester, especially your children. Nevertheless, at this time on the eve of Yud Shevat, I want to extend my prayerful wishes to you and all yours for the fulfillment of your hearts’ desires for good in all your affairs, both personal and general. All the more so as this is also in reciprocation of your good wishes, which your letters always contain, thus making you eminently eligible, in the light of G‑d’s promise, “I will bless all who bless you,” [Bereishis 12:3] to receive G‑d’s direct blessings in a most generous measure.

With reference to your writing that you want to get ready for special actions in connection with Purim, it surprises me somewhat that it did not occur to you that there would be special actions from Chanukah to Purim, or that I might not let Yud Shevat pass without some special action, without waiting for Purim. I am sure, however, that you and all those who take their cue and guidance from you will fully participate in the special activities which Yud Shevat will bring forth.

Wishing you and all yours an inspiring Yud Shevat, and may the zechus [merit] of the Baal Hahilulo [the tzadik whose yahrtzeit we observe] stand you and all of us, in the midst of our people Israel, in good stead.”