"I first met the Rebbe during the lifetime of his father-in-law and predecessor, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch," related Rabbi Avrohom Mordechai Hershberg, the past Chief Rabbi of Mexico. "I asked the previous Rebbe about a Rabbinic position I was offered in Chicago. He told me to consult his son-in-law.

I spent nearly an entire night with the Rebbe. Our discussion covered tractate after tractate of the Talmud, and the scope of the Rebbe's knowledge and his genius amazed me. From that night onward, I maintained a relationship with the Rebbe, and consulted with him on many personal and public matters."

In 1980, during the Iranian occupation of the American embassy, Rabbi Hershberg was scheduled to travel to Iran for a public service project. Because of the prevailing tense atmosphere, many tried to persuade him to postpone his trip. But the Rebbe encouraged him: "Go with blessing," he answered. "You are certain to light the Chanukah menorah in Iran."

Rabbi Hershberg was puzzled by the Rebbe's closing words. He did not plan to stay in Iran for Chanukah, and if he would, there was no question he would light a menorah. He did not understand the Rebbe's reference, nor the emphatic tone in his words.

Rabbi Hershberg's mission in Iran took longer than expected, during which time he developed a relationship with some Iranian officials. He knew there were six Jews among the hostages in the American embassy and asked permission to light the menorah with them. "Just as we granted permission for a priest to meet with the Christian hostages on their holiday," the Iranians replied, "we will allow you entry as well."

And so it was in the unusual venue of barricaded American embassy in Teheran that Rabbi Hershberg lit the Menorah that year.