24 YOMEI DIPAGRA HACHAYOL NINETY-SIX PAGES OF STORIES, SICHOS, GAMES, AND COMICS COVERING ALL OF THE SPECIAL DAYS IN THE YEAR OF A CHOSSID In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 The Rebbe Rashab ' s bris was not held eight days after he was born on Chof Cheshvan, on account of his health. Instead, as per the directive of his grandfather the Tzemach Tzedek, it was to be held on the third day of Chanuka. The night before, the Tzemach Tzedek instructed the baby’ s father, the Rebbe Maharash:“ Make the bris for your son tomorrow morning in the room where I usually daven. Only family and a few close friends should be present.” The Tzemach Tzedek elaborated,“ The first set of luchos given to Moshe Rabbeinu at Matan Torah came with drama and fanfare, but they did not last. The second set of luchos, which lasted, were given quietly and discreetly.” The next morning, a small group of Chassidim packed into the Tzemach Tzedek’ s room. Before the Rebbe Maharash, an expert mohel, performed the bris, the Tzemach Tzedek whispered in his ear,“ He should be named ' Sholom Dovber.' ' Sholom ' for my father, ' Sholom Shachne,' and ' Dovber ' for my father-in-law, the [ Mitteler ] Rebbe.” The Maharash nodded and began the bris.“ And his name will be called amongst Yisroel: ' Sholom Dovber ben Reb Shmuel!'” The room buzzed with excited cries of“ Mazal tov!” Then the attendees sat down for a festive meal. At the seuda, the Tzemach Tzedek discussed the baby’ s name and birthday, explaining that reordering the initials of Reb Sholom Ber, spells the phrase“ Basar shover— broken flesh.” This hints to the idea of“ breaking,” or refining, the materialistic part of a person’ s body— or any physical thing— so that it can become a vessel for Elokus( G-dliness). He continued,“ This child was born on Chof Cheshvan, in the year א '' כרת( 1860). Together, the Chof from the day of the month and the Chof from the year of the birth hint to what Chassidus describes as the highest level of Hashem’ s crown, called Kisra Ilo’ ah.” Further Reading: Chanoch L’ naar, pg. 8 ןוׁשח ' כ א " כרּת( 1860) I learned about what happened on Chof Cheshvan א '' כרת( 1860) Background ב '' שרוהמ ר '' ומדא ק '' כ ל ֶ ׁש ת ֶד ֶלּוה םֹוי THE REBBE RASHAB’ S BIRTHDAY 216 A Late Bris THINK About It! Why do we need to break something in order for it to become a vessel for holiness? א ב ג ד ה ו ז ח ט י אי בי גי די וט זט זי חי טי כ אכ בכ גכ דכ הכ וכ זכ חכ טכ ולסכ = ב '' שר רבש רשב 216 YD 20 Cheshvan. indd 1 11 / 8 / 2016 12:46:31 AM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 Napoleon ' s army advanced through Russia, conquering territory while they blazed through the country. As the Russian Cossacks retreated in defeat, they abandoned and burned cities so that there would be nothing left for the French to take. Napoleon promised freedom and equality for all. While the Russian government panicked over the French invasion, citizens secretly celebrated the possibility of a better future. Among them were many Yidden. After all, the new leader promised that they would be able to practice Yiddishkeit with comfort and ease. The Alter Rebbe, though, believed that Napoleon was an even greater evil than the czar. Although his rulership would bring physical comfort, the freedom would also cause Yidden to lose their warmth for Yiddishkeit. As Napoleon’ s army charged forward, the Alter Rebbe and his family fled from one city to the next, sometimes only a few hours ahead of the French. The Alter Rebbe refused to live under Napoleon’ s rule for even one day. After a long, cold winter, the French troops were exhausted, worn down by the harsh weather and lack of food. Defeated, they were forced to withdraw. While the Russian army regained control, the Alter Rebbe and his family settled in Piena, relieved to no longer be on the run. Wasting no time, the Alter Rebbe arranged food, housing, and employment for the tens of thousands of people who had been affected by the war. But the Rebbe’ s activism lasted only for a week before he fell fatally ill. Days later on Motzei Shabbos, Chof Daled Teves, the Alter Rebbe was nistalek in the small town of Piena. ת ֵב ֵט ד " כ ג " עקּת( 1812) I told over or heard what happened on Chof Daled Teves ג ״ עקת( 1814) ן ֵק ָז ַה ר " ֹומ ְד ַא ק " כ ל ֶ ׁש א ָלּולי ִה ַה םֹוי 233 HISTALKUS OF THE ALTER REBBE On the Run Torah and mitzvos without any chayus? No way! That’ s what the Alter Rebbe was running from. Can you unscramble the words to figure out the thoughts a person might have when they are excited to serve Hashem? 1. I am so PHYAP that I get to do a mitzva Answers: 1. happy 2. grateful 3. detail 4. right away 2. I am TAGURELF for every chance to serve the King of the world 3. Each LIDATE of every mitzva I do is important 4. I don’ t want to push off serving Hashem; I will get to it THRIG YAAW Mitzva Motivations 233 YD 24 Teves. indd 1 12 / 13 / 2016 1:09:33 AM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 Purim Prep This year, the fast gets pushed up from Shabbos to Thursday. That means three days complete our ruchniyusdike preparations for Purim— just like the Yidden had all those years ago. Can you fill in the words to complete the preparations? םירופ 244 ISSUE I gave extra tzedoka I added Avinu Malkeinu during Shacharis and Mincha and said my quota of Selichos I gave machtzis hashekel from my own money I followed krias hatorah and the haftora inside during Mincha I listened to a sicha that was said after Mincha on Ta’ anis Esther I added Aneinu if I was still fasting during Mincha Avoda Additions We increase in Torah, tefila, and tzedoka on all fast days, yet Ta’ anis Esther has a special connection with each of these. ר ֵ ּת ְס ֶא ת י ִנ ֲע ַ ּת I ________ a dvar Torah about Purim after reviewing the halachos of Yom Tov from a( n) ________ Shulchan Oruch that I found in my ________. I go to the ________ to ________ Shalach Manos for classmates who may not have so many friends. There, I meet a not-yet-frum person who I invite to ________ me for the megilla reading. When I get home, I ________ my mother get ready for the Purim Sueda. What an absolutely ________ day! verb adjective noun noun verb verb verb adjective To-Do With their mesiras nefesh during the story of Purim, ר ָבְּכ ּול ְּב ִ ּק ֶׁש ה ָמ ּומְּי ִק— the Yidden showed that they fully accepted the Torah they had taken upon themselves at Matan Torah. TORAH The Yidden’ s tefilos turned a potential tragedy into a miraculous victory—“ אּוה ְךֹפ ֲה ַנְו.” During Adar in the times of the Beis Hamikdosh, each Yid donated half a shekel toward korbanos. Today we give three half shekolim on Ta’ anis Esther, before reading about Homon’ s plot to wipe out the Jews with 10,000 shekolim. TEFILA TZEDOKA PURIM THINK About It! How does the Yidden’ s mesiras nefesh during the story of Purim mirror my avodas Hashem? Further Reading: Toras Menachem 5743 Vol. 2 pgs. 1,026-1,028, Toras Menachem 5744 Vol. 2, pgs. 1,170-1172, Torah Menachem 5747 Vol. 2, pgs. 553-554 244 YT Purim. indd 1 2 / 16 / 2017 2:02:55 PM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 At the Lag B’ omer parade in מ ״ שת( 1980), the Rebbe noticed kids wearing colorful paper crowns.“ With a crown,” he noted,“ a child imagines themselves as a king. And then when a kid shouts out loud‘ Shema Yisroel,’” the Rebbe continued.“ The entire group shouts after them.” There is a klal( principle) in halacha that“ ם ֵה םיִכָל ְמ ל ֵא ָר ְ ׂשִי לָּכ— all Yidden are considered kings.” That’ s exactly what these children, with their colorful crowns, teach us. When we use our talents to fulfill our mission— like the Rashbi taught us to— the world is under our command. Then we become like kings, with everything going according to our“ rulership”— helping us serve Hashem. רמועבּ ג ״ ל I learned about Lag B’ omer 260 LAG B’ OMER ISSUE King of the World Can you use Torah to become“ king” over the world without retracing your steps? Every box you pass through is one point. Find someone to play with and see who can travel the longest path. Further Reading: Sichos Kodesh 5740, Vol. 3, pgs. 201-203; Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 7, pg. 337; Toras Menachem, Vol. 60, pg. 216 Keeping Count Have you ever wondered? Every night we count sefira“ l’ omer,” with a Lamed, yet the Rashbi’ s yartzeit is known as“ Lag B’ omer,” with a Beis. Why? The letters have the same gematriya as the name of another Jewish leader, whose nitzutz( spark) is found within the Rashbi’ s neshoma. Happiest Army The Lag B’ omer parade of ל ״ שת( 1970) was titled“ Salute to Judaism.” The Rebbe pointed out the name’ s significance: Not only do we live with and mitzvos, but we don’ t feel keeping Yiddishkeit is a, chas v’ sholom. Just the opposite! The word shows how lucky we feel— like proud soldiers— since we have the chance to bring nachas to Hashem. Find the gematriya Add it up Break it down Find the gematriya Unscramble = רמֹעבּ ג ״ ל = _ _ _ +_ _ + _ _ + _ + _ + _ _ = _ _ _ = _ _ _ + _ _ + _ = _ _ _ = _ _ _ 30 300 מ START � � FINISH Answers: King of the World: the longest path uses all boxes; Keeping Count: Moshe In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 Since childhood, the Rebbe Maharash was often frail and prone to illness. He kept his poor health a secret from his father, the Tzemach Tzedek, so that he wouldn’ t be concerned. Once, when the Rebbe Maharash became critically ill, the Tzemach Tzedek only found out after he had already recovered.“ If only I would have known in time,” said the Tzemach Tzedek,“ I could have extended his life, so that he would live at least fifty-two years like Shmuel Hanovi.” After the Tzemach Tzedek was nistalek, the Rebbe Maharash accepted the nesius. Throughout his leadership, the illnesses continued. Yet the Rebbe Maharash’ s health issues did not lessen his tireless devotion to his Chassidim. As a true ro’ eh ne’ eman, he continued to care for his flock with joy and love. When the Rebbe Maharash was forty-eight years old, just sixteen years into his nesius, his condition began to increasingly worsen. The Chassidim desperately searched for effective treatments. They brought many famous doctors from Russia and beyond to find a remedy. A lot of money was spent and many words of Tehilim were said, but there seemed to be no improvement. When Erev Rosh Hashona arrived, the Rebbe Maharash told his wife, Rebbetzin Rivka.“ I am going up thirty-one levels; you are staying here thirty-one levels.” She understood this as a reference to the thirty-one years that she would live without her husband. In a trembling voice, the Rebbetzin responded,“ But the children are still so young.” The Rebbe Maharash was silent. That Rosh Hashona, the Rebbe’ s shul was packed with Chassidim. The mood was tense and the Chassidim were anxious. The Rebbe Maharash was not well enough to say maamarim, as he usually did. Instead, the Chassidim reviewed the maamarim of the previous year, hoping in their hearts that the Rebbe would soon recover. Yom Kippur came and went, and while the Chassidim knew and were worried about their Rebbe’ s illness, they were little prepared for what was to come. On Yud Gimmel Tishrei, just two weeks after his fateful words to the Rebbetzin, the Rebbe Maharash was nistalek. As he had hinted, Rebbetzin Rivka lived for exactly thirty-one more years after her husband’ s passing. Further Reading: Sefer Hasichos 5705, pg. 129 יר ׁש ּת גי ג” מר ּת( 1882) I participated in a farbrengen either in school or at home I read or heard what happened on Yud Gimmel Tishrei, ג ״ מרת( 1883) I found a sefer of the Rebbe Maharash in my house, and learned from it( eg. Toras Shmuel) ש” ַר ַה ַמ ר” ּומ ְד ַא ק” ּכ תּוק ְל ַּת ְס ִה THE REBBE MAHARASH’ S HISTALKUS 210 ISSUE A Tense Tishrei In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 Yud Tes Kislev ב ״ סרת( 1901) was an unusual year in Lubavitch: the Rebbe Rashab was not there! The Rebbe Rashab had traveled to Moscow for the purposes of pidyon shivuyim, releasing Yiddishe prisoners. Three hundred Yidden had been arrested on false accusations. While the Rebbe Rashab waited for their release in Moscow, his Chassidim in Lubavitch stayed with his son, the Frierdiker Rebbe, for the weeks leading up to Yud Tes Kislev and the yom tov itself. The Chassidim were devastated— what kind of chassidishe yom tov would it be without their Rebbe? The Frierdiker Rebbe, who was then the menahel( principal) of Tomchei Temimim, gathered a committee of older bochurim and announced the schedule for the events of Yud Tes Kislev:“ Since Friday night is Yud Tes Kislev, there will be seudos on both Friday night and Motzei Shabbos. Everyone, from the younger students to the mashpi’ im and roshei yeshivos, as well as myself, will attend. On Sunday there will be a farbrengen in my home with the committee of Tomchei Temimim. The committee will decide who else to invite to the farbrengen.” Talmidim from nearby Lubavitcher yeshivos, along with other respected guests, flocked to Lubavitch. Chassidim hoped that the Rebbe Rashab would return in time to celebrate, but Yud Tes Kislev was getting closer and there was no sign of the Rebbe. The sadness among the Chassidim grew; Yud Tes Kislev would pass, and the Rebbe would not be with them. Then, a letter arrived... ו ֵל ְס ִּכ ט ״ י ט ״ נקת( 1799) I checked if I have Sefer Ohr Hatorah in my house, and if not then I encouraged my parents to buy it I gave tzedoka to Colel Chabad I sang the niggun“ Podo B’ shalom” I learned something from Hayom Yom I learned something from the shaar blatt( cover page) of Tanya I told over or learned about what happened on Yud Tes Kislev תּודי ִס ַח ְל ה ָנ ָ ׁש ַה ׁשאֹר- ROSH HASHONA L’ CHASSIDUS 225 THE ALTER REBBE ' S CHAG HAGEULA Why were Chassidim so upset to be without their Rebbe? Did you ever wonder how Rosh Hashona L’ Chassidus got its name? תּודי ִס ַח ְל ה ָנ ָׁש ַה ׁשאֹר 225 YD 19 Kislev. indd 1 11 / 30 / 2016 12:50:39 AM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50“ I’ ve included a pidyon to be read daily at the ohel in Lubavitch— by the kevorim of the Tzemach Tzedek and Rebbe Maharash. In it, I’ ve asked for a brocha on your behalf.” The Rebbe Rashab sent this letter to his son, the Frierdiker Rebbe, when Rebbetzin Nechoma Dina was having a difficult pregnancy. The Rebbe Rashab ended the letter with a request to be kept informed about the situation. The Rebbe Rashab, then in Germany, also sent letters addressed directly to Rebbetzin Nechoma Dina. He encouraged her to have emuna that a healthy child would be born, and to trust that Hashem would help her in the zechus of the Rebbeim. On a Shabbos morning in the little town of Babinovitch, twenty-five miles from Lubavitch, the Frierdiker Rebbe’ s second daughter was finally born. When the news arrived in Germany, the Rebbe Rashab sent telegrams asking that the child be named for the Tzemach Tzedek’ s wife, Chaya Mushka.“ She should have true yiras Shomayim,” he wrote,“ just like my bubbe the tzidkonis( righteous one)...” Further Reading: Igros Kodesh Rebbe Rashab Vol. 3, pgs. 199, 205, 216 רדא ה ״ כ I participated in a farbrengen at school or at home I shared a story about Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka א ״ סרת • א ָק ְ ׁשּומ’ ָי ַח ת ַר ָמ תי ִנ ָק ְד ִצ ַה תי ִנ ָּב ַר ָה ל ֶ ׁש ת ֶד ֶלֹוה םֹוי 246 REBBETZIN CHAYA MUSHKA’ S BIRTHDAY • 1901 A Birth in Babinovitch Family Connections Can you work out in how many ways the Rebbetzin descends from the Tzemach Tzedek, the Mitteler Rebbe, and the Alter Rebbe? Alter Rebbe Rebbetzin Sterna Reb Sholom Shachna Rebbetzin Devora Leah Reb Aharon Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Rebbetzin Baila Reb Yekusiel Zalman Horav Boruch Sholom Rebbetzin Radzya Reb Levi Yitzchok Rebbetzin Sima Rebbetzin Yocheved Reb Avrohom Rebbe Rashab Rebbetzin Shterna Sara Reb Boruch Schneur Rebbetzin Rivka Devora Frierdiker Rebbe Rebbetzin Nechoma Dina Horav Levi Yitzchok Rebbetzin Chana Rebbe Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Rebbetzin Freida Horav Yisroel Noach Rebbetzin Rivka Rebbe Maharash Horav Yosef Yitzchok Rebbetzin Chana Tzemach Tzedek Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Rebbetzin Devora Leah Horav Yakov Yisroel Mitteler Rebbe Rebbetzin Sheina Answers: Tzemach Tzedek: 3; Mitteler Rebbe: 6; Alter Rebbe: 9 Married Son Daughter 246 YD 25 Adar. indd 1 1 / 17 / 2017 9:49:22 PM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 Day by day, brick by brick, the Tzemach Tzedek’ s new house began to take shape. A fire had destroyed the Rebbe’ s home when it raged through Lubavitch two years earlier. In the aftermath, the Tzemach Tzedek decided to build a new house and beis medrash. Count Lubamirski, a government official with tremendous respect for the Rebbeim, volunteered to arrange construction on the newlypurchased plot of land. The count donated supplies from his private forest, had them delivered by his peasants, and arranged for workers to build the structure— all at no cost to the Tzemach Tzedek. At the dawn of the month of Iyar, as the trees regained their vibrant colors and flowers budded with the turn of spring, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Tzemach Tzedek’ s wife, neared the end of her pregnancy. When labor began, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka settled herself in the new home. The family hadn’ t moved in yet, but she wanted to give birth there. The building was empty, aside from a few Pesach dishes being stored away. When the Rebbe Maharash’ s mother first entered, the only furniture for her to rest on was a wooden frame usually used to sift flour for shmura matzo. News of the impending birth spread to the rest of the family; slowly, they began to trickle into the new home. When the Tzemach Tzedek arrived, he brought a white cloth to the house. Along with a few other instructions, the Tzemach Tzedek asked the midwife to swaddle the baby in the material immediately after birth. The Tzemach Tzedek asked his three oldest sons, Reb Boruch Sholom, Reb Yehuda Leib, and Reb Chaim Schneur Zalman, to go into another room and recite specific kapitelach of Tehilim. As they did, a new life entered the world: the family’ s youngest boy, who would become the next Chabad Rebbe: the Rebbe Maharash. Further Reading: Sefer Hatoldos, pg. 5 רייא ׳ ב I told learned what happened on Beis Iyar ד” צקת( 1834) ד ״ צקת • ש” ַר ַה ַמ ר” ּומ ְד ַא ק” ַכ ל ֶ ׁש ת ֶד ֶלֹוה םֹוי 257 THE REBBE MAHARASH’ S BIRTHDAY • 1834 New Home, New Life In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 All in the Name רו ּפ ּכ םוי 208 ISSUE YOM KIPPUR Time is Right Ashmoras haboker is a halachic time when Hashem’ s chessed shines strongly in our world. Because of the special koach, we try and do Kaporos then.( If that’ s not possible, Kaporos can be done on any day during Aseres Yemei Teshuva.) Can you look at the clock to figure out the exact time for ashmoras haboker( in Crown Heights)? Further reading: The Alter Rebbe’ s Siddur Swing It Can you put the Kaporos steps in order? Draw the number near the step.( Hint: Look into a Machzor for help.) How many times is this entire process repeated? A. 3 B. 1 C. 9 D. 4 How many times in total is the chicken swung over our heads? A. 3 B. 1 C. 9 D. 4 The Rebbe’ s Kaporos It’ s early in the morning on Erev Yom Kippur, and the chotzer( yard between 770 and the library) is packed with Chassidim who are eager to see their Rebbe. I did Kaporos � After doing Kaporos privately in his room, the Rebbe comes outside. � The Rebbe gives his chicken to the shochet, then watches the shechting. � Using a feather from the chicken, the Rebbe covers the blood with sand.“ Kaporos” comes from the word kapora( forgiveness). In the times of the Beis Hamikdosh, the Korban L’ azazel was pushed off a cliff as a kapora for the aveiros of Bnei Yisroel. This is similar to the kaporos that we do now. Can you circle the animal that was used in the times of the Beis Hamikdosh? Kaporos 2:38 AM- 5:14 AM 2:38 PM- 5:14 PM 2:48 PM- 5:14 AM 5:14 AM- 2:48 PM תאז / ה ֶז י ִת ָר ָ ּפ ַ ּכ תאז / ה ֶז י ִת ָר ּומ ְּת תאז / ה ֶז י ִת ָפ י ִל ֲח ם ָד ָא י ֵנ ְ ּב Answers: All in the Name: Goat, Time is Right: 2:38 a. m.— 5:14 a. m. 4. ם ָד ָא י ֵנ ְ ּב Swing It: 1. י ִת ָר ָּפ ַ ּכ 2. י ִת ָרּומ ְּת 3. י ִת ָפ י ִל ֲח, A, C ם י ִר ּו ּפי ִ ּכ ַה ם ֹוי ב ֶר ֶע In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 After many rainfalls in the orchards and forests of Eretz Yisroel, new sap begins to rise in the trees on the fifteenth of Shvat. It’ s the start of new fruit, a new cycle for the trees. Since many of our mitzvos— such maaser, orla, and teruma— are connected to the tree’ s cycle, we celebrate the tree’ s birthday on Chamisha Asar B’ Shvat. We eat fruit, especially from the shiv’ as haminim, and don ' t say Tachanun. I ate a new fruit I had not eaten this season, and said the brocha of Shehechiyanu I ate at least one of the shivas haminim I learnt a sicha about Chamisha Asar B’ Shvat I shared a sicha of the Rebbe about Chamisha Asar B’ Shvat I told over or heard why we celebrate Chamisha Asar B’ Shvat 238 ROSH HASHONA FOR TREES ISSUE Let it Grow Planting a Seed Even a small scratch on the tiny seed of a tree will affect how the tree grows years later. Yidden are similar to seeds; the things we do when we are young make a difference to the adults we grow up to be. Let’ s do good things now, and ensure a great future! All in a Day’ s Work Field workers spend time and energy tending to their trees. Let’ s remember that all growth takes effort; after all,” ד ֵלָּוִי ל ֵמ ָע ֶל ם ָד ָא— a person was created to toil.” Hashem put us here in this world in order to work hard at reaching our goal. Keeping Track A farmer pays careful attention to the trees in his orchard to ensure that each and every one is producing fruit and growing well. Similarly, Hashem searches the heart and mind of each Yid to keep track of how well they are completing their mission to grow big and strong b’ ruchinyus. Fun Fact Two olive trees compete for the title of " world ' s oldest ": Cormac ' s Tree, located in Italy and believed to be more than 3,000 years old, and the Elia Bouybon, located in Greece, estimated to be between 2,000 and 5,000 years old. OLDEST What can we learn from what a farmer knows about trees? רשע השמח טבשׁבּ 238 YT 15 Shvat. indd 1 11 / 30 / 2016 12:47:45 AM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 One Wednesday morning at 7:00 a. m., the Shabbos siren went off in Crown Heights— a signal that something had happened. The community was startled. What was going on? Chassidim streamed outside and read the signs that had been posted: Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka had passed away. The previous eveing the Rebbetzin had been admitted to the hospital and just after midnight her neshoma left her guf. The levaya was scheduled for 12:00 p. m., late enough for many people from out of town to attend. At noon, eltere Chassidim carried the aron out of the Rebbe’ s home, with the Rebbe following closely behind. Policemen on motorbikes cleared a path before the thousands of Chassidim who were solemnly accompanying the aron down President Street toward 770. Later, a Chossid wrote about the experience.“ What can we say? Which words can we use to describe the unbearable scene of the Rebbetzin’ s levaya? No words come to mind; my pen is dry.” Seeing the Rebbe in pain tore at the hearts of Chassidim. When the Rebbe said Kaddish at the kevura( burial), his voice was choked with tears. Afterward the Rebbe went back to his house, where he davened for the omud. After Mincha, the Rebbe said a short sicha, quoting Koheles:“ י ַח ַה ְו ֹוּבִל לֶא ןֵ ּתִי— and the living should take to heart.” The posuk teaches us that if someone is deciding between going to a house of shiva or a house of simcha, it is better to go to the house of shiva. Where the ending of a life is commemorated, the living will be reminded to take a message to heart— live life they to the fullest. Further Reading: Yumanim; Sefer Hasichos 5748 Vol. 1, pg. 255 טבש ב” כ I told over or heard what happened on Chof Beis Shvat ח ״ משת( 1988) ח” משת • א ָק ְ ׁשּומ’ ָי ַח ת ַר ָמ תי ִנ ָק ְד ִצ ַה תי ִנ ָּב ַר ָה ל ֶ ׁש טיי ַצר ָאי 240 REBBETZIN CHAYA MUSHKA’ S YARTZEIT • 1988 A Queen Departs THINK About It! In later sichos, the Rebbe points out the significance of the Rebbetzin passing away in the month of Shvat. Do you know why?( Hint: think of who else passed away in this month.) Because Rebbetzin Sheina, the Rebbetzin’ s sister, was killed in the Holocaust and did not have a kever of her own, the Rebbe requested that her name be added to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’ s matzeiva The Rebbe walks behind the aron at the Rebbetzin’ s levaya 240 YD 22 Shvat. indd 1 1 / 17 / 2017 9:34:50 PM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 חספ 253-254 PESACH My Special Moment with the Rebbe ת ּו ר ְׁש ַק ְת ִה I shared a story of the Rebbe at my Shabbos table Niggun of the Week םיִנּוגִנ I sang this week’ s niggun at my Shabbos table All Set niggun T his niggun, composed of words from yom tov davening, was first taught by the Rebbe on Simchas Torah א ״ כשת( 1960). The Rebbe once explained that the soft tones of the first part reflect a tzadik’ s clear way of life. In contrast, the faster tune of the second part reflects the deep emotions of a baal teshuva’ s journey back to Hashem. F or many years the Rebbe would sell his chometz to my great-greatgrandfather Reb Shmuel Levitin on Erev Pesach. My zeidy would then sell the Rebbe’ s chometz to a rov, who would take care of selling it to a non-Jew. Even when my zeidy was over ninety years old, he came to 770 so that the Rebbe could sell his chometz. After my zeidy and the Rebbe arranged the details of the mechiras( selling) chometz, Reb Shmuel left the Rebbe’ s room. A moment later, the Rebbe followed my zeidy into the hall with money in his hand.“ I forgot something important!” the Rebbe said as he looked for my zeidy, to pay him. Niggun of the Rebbe Its Lesson to Me“ The Rebbe made sure to take care of my zeidy’ s needs before continuing his busy day. I will look out for those around me, no matter what else is going on.” Vita Cohen, Lubavitch London, England You [ Hashem ] have chosen us from among the nations, You have loved us and found favor with us. You have raised us above all languages( nations) And made us holy through Your mitzvos. You, our King, have drawn us near to [ do Your ] avoda, and You proclaimed Your great and holy name upon us. ּו נ ָ ּת ְר ַח ְב ה ָ ּת ַא, םי ִמ ַע ָה ל ָּכ ִמ ּונ ָתֹוא ָ ּת ְב ַה ָא, ּונ ָּב ָתי ִצ ָר ְו ל ָּכ ִמ ּונ ָ ּת ְמ ַמֹור ְו, תֹונֹוׁש ְל ַה ּו נ ָ ּת ְׁש ַד ִק ְו, ָךי ֶתֹו ְצ ִמ ְּב ּונ ֵּכ ְל ַמ ּונ ָ ּת ְב ַר ֵקְו, ָך ֶת ָדֹוב ֲע ַל לֹוד ָג ַה ָך ְמ ִׁש ְו ּוני ֵל ָע ׁשֹוד ָק ַהְו: ָת א ָר ָק The Rebbe’ s shtar( contract) of mechiras chometz In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 It was exactly 10:00 a. m. when the Rebbe entered 770 to begin Shacharis. The room was filled with men draped in talleisim, swaying back and forth. Every couple of minutes, the Rebbe turned to the side, as though he were waiting for someone. Rabbi Groner approached the Rebbe and spoke to him quietly for a few minutes. At 1:30 p. m., the Rebbe entered the shul for a farbrengen. Every so often, Dr. Seligson went up to speak to the Rebbe. After one such conversation, the doctor solemnly announced,“ Chana bas Rochel l’ refua sheleimo.” The mood amongst the Chassidim immediately became serious as they realized that the name of the Rebbe’ s mother had just been pronounced. The Rebbe’ s voice broke as he continued to speak. Tears welled up in the Rebbe’ s eyes, and he began to cry. The Chassidim looked on anxiously as the Rebbe leaned his head into his hands, weeping. At 4:00 p. m., the farbrengen ended. Reb Berel Junik, who had a close relationship with Rebbetzin Chana, rushed to the Rebbetzin’ s house. He found her sitting on a chair, breathing heavily. Rebbetzin Chana looked at him with pleading eyes.“ Please have someone come help me,” she said. Reb Berel rushed back to 770 to find Dr. Seligson. Mincha had just finished in 770 when the Rebbe was again approached, this time by Reb Berel: Rebbetzin Chana wanted to see her son. The Rebbe rose to leave the room, stopped at his room to drop off the handkerchiefs from his pocket, and made his way to the door of 770. As the Rebbe left, he motioned to the worried Chassidim that they should continue singing. At approximately 6:00 p. m., the Rebbe stood by Rebbetzin Chana’ s side in the hospital room as her neshoma returned to Shomayim. ירש ּת ' ו ה " כש ּת( 1964) I read or heard what happened on Vov Tishrei, ה ״ כשת( 1964) I watched part of a video of the Rebbe’ s Vov Tishrei farbrengen Background ה " ע ה ָנ ַח ת ַר ָמ תיִנ ָק ְד ִצ ַה תיִנ ָ ּב ַר ָה ל ֶ ׁש טיי ַצר ָאי REBBETZIN CHANA’ S YARTZEIT 207 ISSUE Shabbos Shuva Why do you think it was important to the Rebbe that the Chassidim continue singing? Think about it! In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 It was 5:00 p. m. on Yud Daled Kislev ט ״ פרת( 1928), and thousands were gathered at the entrance to Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Warsaw, Poland. Who would miss the chasuna of the Frierdiker Rebbe’ s daughter? Inside the banquet hall, the Rebbe sat at the head table with his fatherin-law and the Frierdiker Rebbe’ s father-in-law, Reb Avrohom Schneerson, on either side. Hundreds of seats in the kabolas ponim hall were filled with prominent rabbonim and Chassidishe leaders. The Frierdiker Rebbe said a maamer, and then it was time for the chosson to go and bedek( cover) the kalla. On their way to the women’ s section next door, the Frierdiker Rebbe and our Rebbe paused in a small room. There, the Frierdiker Rebbe helped the chosson put on a kittel made from the Alter Rebbe’ s shirt, then tied it with a silk gartel. At the door, a line of Polisher rebbes waited for the Frierdiker Rebbe to bentch the chosson. Then they too came into the small room and gave their brachos. After the bedeken, they headed to the large courtyard for the chupa. Over five thousand Chassidim were gathered around. Some men held candles and formed two rows, illuminating the path leading to the chupa. Chassidim sang“ Daled Bavos,” and the rows of lit torches formed a glowing, beautiful scene. Since the Rebbe’ s parents were stuck in Russia and could not attend the chasuna, Rabbi Horenstein( the Rebbe Maharash’ s sonin-law) walked the Rebbe down to the chupa, in the place of Reb Levik. The Frierdiker Rebbe himself said all of the sheva brachos under the chupa, singing them with an powerful intensity. Mazal tov! The Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka were married! The singing and dancing began, going until the sun rose the next morning at close to 7:00 a. m. Further Reading: Yemei Melech, Vol. 1 pg. 157; Diary of Reb Chaim Elya Althois ולסכ ד” י ט " פרת( 1928) I reviewed my hiskashrus missions and discussed what I can do to strengthen my connection to the Rebbe I sang the niggun“ Meheira Yishoma” I shared or heard what happened on Yud Daled Kislev ט ״ פרת( 1928) and what the Rebbe said about it on Yud Daled Kislev ד ״ ישת( 1953)” רי ִמ טי ִמ ךיַיא ןּוא ךיַיא טִימ ן ֶעד ְנּוּבר ַאפ רִימ ט ָאה ' ְמ ס ָאוו ג ָאט ר ֶעד זִיא ס ָאד " 223 THE DAY THAT CONNECTS THE REBBE WITH THE CHASSIDIM A Special Chasuna THE REBBE AND REBBETZIN ' S CHASUNA How do you connect to the Rebbe, and how can you make your hiskashrus even stronger? THINK About It! The wedding invitation 223 YD 14 Kislev. indd 1 11 / 30 / 2016 12:16:52 AM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 The Frierdiker Rebbe fought for Yiddishkeit to remain alive— during both the dark oppression of Communist Russia and the enticing freedom of America. While Yidden in Russia were persecuted for keeping Yiddishkeit, the Frierdiker Rebbe had great mesiras nefesh to open underground chedorim, shuls, and mikvaos. Once he crossed the Atlantic Ocean, the Frierdiker Rebbe famously declared,“ שר ֶעדנ ַא טִינ זִיא ָאקִיר ֶעמ ַא— America is no different!” The Frierdiker Rebbe immediately got to work bringing the same Yiddishe values found in Russia to the“ new world” of America. He established yeshivos and elementary schools( like Yomchei Temimim and Beis Rivka), a publishing house for Jewish books( Kehos), and organizations to help Yidden with their physical and spiritual needs. The Frierdiker Rebbe’ s words teach that our surroundings cannot affect us. No matter where we are, we must live with the Torah’ s truth. After thirty years of nesius, at 8:00 a. m. on Shabbos Parshas Bo, Yud Shvat ת” יש’ ה( י” שת, 1950), the Frierdiker Rebbe was nistalek. A year later on Yud Shvat א” שית’ ה( א” ישת, 1951), the Rebbe officially accepted the nesius, continuing the Frierdiker Rebbe’ s role of fueling the fire of Yiddishkeit in every country and in every neshoma. A Chossid’ s Yud Shvat In a letter to Chassidim, the Rebbe outlined minhogim for this special day. טבש’ י 236 A DAY TO CONNECT ISSUE From Sea to Sea I received an aliya on the Shabbos before Yud Shvat( for boys over Bar Mitzva) I made sure that my house had a yartzeit candle burning for the twenty-four hours of Yud Shvat I heard part of Bosi Legani ת” יש’ ה( 1950) being reviewed I learned( part of) a perek of Tanya after Shacharis and before Mincha I gave tzedoka to a cause associated with the Frierdiker Rebbe before Shacharis and Mincha I encouraged my friends and family to learn Chitas I thought about my hiskashrus to the Rebbe, wrote a pan, and either sent or brought it to the Ohel I learned( part of) Mishnayos that begin with the letters of the Frierdiker Rebbe’ s name I participated in a Yud Shvat farbrengen I shared or heard a story of our Rebbeim’ s Ahavas Yisroel A Farbrengen in Oholei Torah on Yud Shvat 236 CYT 10 Shvat. indd 1 1 / 17 / 2017 9:09:43 PM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50“ I can no longer answer questions about gashmiyus matters,” the Tzemach Tzedek informed his Chassidim.“ Now, I only see your neshomos and not your gufim( bodies).” The Tzemach Tzedek was seventy-sevenyears old and suffering from an illness that had plagued him for over six years. In the final months, it was difficult for the Tzemach Tzedek to speak, and as his condition worsened, he focused on the ruchniyus state of his Chassidim. One Tuesday evening, the Tzemach Tzedek felt unusually faint. A local doctor was called to perform an examination, and concluded that he could not help. By the following day, Yud Beis Nissan, news of the Rebbe’ s worsening condition had spread among the Chassidim. They began saying Tehilim in the Tzemach Tzedek’ s home. The name“ Meir” was added in the hope that it would break the decree— which is linked to a person’ s name— and then the Tzemach Tzedek would be given more years of life. Hours passed as Chassidim stood huddled around the Tzemach Tzedek’ s bed, anxiously davening. Soon the sun sank behind the trees and the sky outside darkened. The Rebbe’ s shamash, Reb Chaim Ber, noticed that the Tzemach Tzedek was whispering from his bed. He leaned down to hear: ם ֶכי ֵמִי ּוב ְרִי ן ַע ַמֽל“— your years will be extended.” Murmuring voices were silenced and the room became still as the hearts of the Tzemach Tzedek’ s Chassidim throbbed in pain. At 12:30 a. m., with hundreds of Chassidim gathered around his bedside, the Tzemach Tzedek’ s heilige neshoma returned to Shomayim. The Tzemach Tzedek’ s youngest son, the Rebbe Maharash, stood up to face the crowd.“ You should know,” he said,“ that my father did not die. I suggest that whoever would like to request something of the Tzemach Tzedek do so now. I myself have already done so.” Further Reading: Sefer Hasichos 5702 pg. 103; Kerem Chabad Vol. 2, pg. 67 ןסינ ג” י I told over or heard what happened on Yud Gimmel Nissan, ו” כרת( 1866) ו” כרת • ק ֶד ֶצ ח ַמ ֶצ ַה ר” ומדא ק” כ תּוק ְלּ ַ ּת ס ִה 252 THE TZEMACH TZEDEK’ S HISTALKUS • 1866 ISSUE New Mazal I sang a niggun of the Tzemach Tzedek Did you know? Although“ Meir” was added, we remember the Tzemach Tzedek only by his original name,“ Menachem Mendel.” One of the reasons for this is because a person must live with their new name for more than thirty days in order for it to become permanent. In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 Tears streamed down his holy face as he sighed quietly. It was Erev Rosh Hashona ה ״ שת( 1944) and the Frierdiker Rebbe, then living in 770, had just received a pan kloli( general pidyon nefesh). It was written on behalf of the Chassidim that were trapped across the ocean in Europe. After reading each and every name, the Frierdiker Rebbe told the following story to his Chassidim: The Czar once gathered many Russian rabbonim to a meeting in Petersburg, where he forbade the printing of seforim— specifically of Chassidus— in an attempt to stop the spread of Yiddishkeit in Russia. Upon his return to Lubavitch, the Tzemach Tzedek, his expression serious, told the Chassidim a story:“ When I was in Petersburg, hundreds of Jewish soldiers in the nearby army base asked for permission to travel to see me. The government refused. They didn’ t want to give soldiers a chance to grow in their Yiddishkeit. By a miracle, though, they allowed me to visit. The soldiers smoothed their uniforms and polished their buttons before I came. Also wanting to prepare their neshamos, they recited Tehilim that they knew by heart. Many of these Jewish soldiers had been forced into the army as children, growing up without any knowledge of Torah and mitzvos. Turning to the Tzemach Tzedek, they cried,“ Rebbe! We’ ve worked hard for you, shining our buttons, doing what we know how. Now, please help us polish our neshamos.” The Tzemach Tzedek replied,“ Buttons are cleaned with water and sand.‘ Sand’ is the Tehilim, and‘ water’ are your tears.”“ But Rebbe!” cried the soldiers.“ How can we march with tears? A soldier is supposed to march with joy.” The Tzemach Tzedek then turned to his Chassidim.“ What the soldiers say is true. They always march to an upbeat rhythm. Because of their complete trust in their general, they feel confident in their ability to win.“ My dear Chassidim, let us clean ourselves with tears and Tehilim. But let us also walk into Rosh Hashona with a march of simcha. Then we can be sure to win!” Concluding the story of the Tzemach Tzedek, the Frierdiker Rebbe told the Chassidim who had gathered,“ Today is Erev Rosh Hashona, so we must scour ourselves with the words of Tehilim, from the depths of our hearts, and with tears— but also with joyful neshamos. As the soldiers said,‘ An army doesn’ t conquer a city with tears, but with a happy march!’” Further Reading: Sefer Hasichos 5705, pgs. 1-3 and Toras Menachem, Vol. 48, pg. 131 הנשה שאר I wrote a pan( pidyon nefesh) and brought( or sent) it to the Rebbe Mission: 205 ROSH HASHONA ISSUE Soldier’ s March 1 ה ָנ ָש ַה שאֹר ב ֶר ֶע How can you say Tehilim with both joy and tears? Think about it! In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 It was three days before the Mezritcher Magid ' s Histalkus when the Alter Rebbe visited. The Magid spoke to him:“ ןֹוז ַח ה-י ְד ַבֹוע— the nevua of [ the Novi ] Ovadia...“ טע ֶז ה-י ד ֵבֹוע ר ֶעד— the one who serves Hashem sees... that you will give birth to a son."( The Magid was referring to himself as ' one who serves Hashem '.) The Alter Rebbe was overjoyed. During his thirteen years of marriage to Rebbetzin Sterna, they had been blessed with only one child, a daughter. The Magid continued,“ His name should be Dovber— my name.” He went on to explain, in detail, how the sholom zochar and bris should be conducted, adding other specific directives to be followed after birth. Dovber, the future Mitteler Rebbe, was born on Tes Kislev ד ״ לקת( 1773), one year later. ולסכ ' ט ד " לקת( 1773) ח " פקת( 1827) I participated in a farbrengen at school or at home I told over or heard what happened on Tes Kislev, ד ״ לקת( 1773) and ח ״ פקת( 1827) י ִע ָצ ְמ ֶא ָה ר " ֹומ ְד ַא ק " כ ל ֶ ׁש א ָלּולי ִה ַה םֹויו ת ֶד ֶלֹוה םֹוי THE MITTELER REBBE’ S BIRTHDAY AND HISTALKUS 221 A Son At Last! בוט לזמ Final Words Fifty-four years passed. After fourteen years of nesius and spreading Chassidus, the Mitteler Rebbe knew his histalkus was near. On Tes Kislev ח ״ פקת( 1827) he gathered his Chassidim one last time, giving them the instruction to be b ' simcha( joyful). Dressed in white clothing, the Mitteler Rebbe looked like a malach— holy and pure. Although he had fainted many times throughout the day, weak with illness, he mustered enough strength to share three maamorim. As he finished the third maamar with the words“ םיִ ּי ַח רֹוּק ְמ ָך ְ ּמ ִע י ִּכ— for with You is the source of life,” the Mitteler Rebbe’ s neshoma returned to Shomayim. It was Tes Kislev, the same day he had been born. The next Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek, once said:“ Since the passing of Reb Shimon Bar Yochai, no one else has left the world in such a remarkable manner, with the word ' life ' on their lips..." Further Reading: Sefer Hasichos 5696, pg. 113; Sefer Hasichos 5697, pg. 161; Sefer Hasichos 5703, pg. 155; Ha’ och, Vol. 2, no. 7 Answer: 581( א ״ פקת) In the cover page of Sefer Imrei Bina, written by the Mitteler Rebbe, the big letters in the last line of the sefer indicate the year it was first printed. Can you find the gematriya of the letters to work out which year they refer to? 221-222 YD 9-10 Kislev. indd 1 11 / 30 / 2016 12:11:20 AM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 Minhog Chabad is to light licht between Mincha and Maariv. ה ָּכּונ ֲח I sang or heard“ Haneiros Halolu” I learned extra Torah for an extra ten minutes I said or heard a dvar Torah from the Rebbe about Chanuka ן ְליי ֵצ ְרע ֶד ךע ֶלע ֶט ְכי ִל י ִד סאָוו ּוצ ן ְרע ֶהּוצ 227 LISTENING TO THE LICHT Watching the Lichtelach The Frierdiker Rebbe sitting by the menora in י ״ שת( 1950). This is the last known photo that Chassidim have of the Frierdiker Rebbe before his histalkus on Yud Shvat, a few weeks later. Chanuka with the Rebbe In later years the Rebbe davened Mincha on Chanuka in 770’ s main shul. After Chazoras Hashatz and Kadish, the Rebbe would turn around to face the crowd as the menora was lit. Chassidim sang“ Haneiros Halolu,” and the Rebbe would often motion with his hand to encourage the singing. Then the Rebbe would turn back to the front and continue with " Oleinu." Light Up Your Learning!“ The Rebbe Rashab kindled Chanuka licht in the house of his mother, Rebbetzin Rivka …. After lighting, the Rebbe Rashab would sit by the lichtelach for a half hour. Then, he would go home and learn a shiur( daily quota) of Gemora... It was not necessarily on a topic connected with Chanuka, but rather part of the the seder of Shas that he was learning at the time.”— the Frierdiker Rebbe Further Reading: Sefer Hasichos 5706, pgs. 20-21 Let the licht burn 20 min Watch the licht for thirty minutes.( On Friday night we don’ t sit by the candles, because we go to shul.) The licht burn for at least thirty minutes after nightfall. The Chanuka licht burn for a total of fifty minutes. Light Nightfall Watch the licht I lit the menora, made a brocha, and watched it for a half hour Wondering how to spend your time while you watch the menora? Take out a sefer and learn! As we celebrate our victory over the Yevonim( Greeks) who wanted us to forget about Torah, it’ s the perfect time to learn a Chanukah sicha. 30 min 50 min 227 YT Chanuka. indd 1 12 / 13 / 2016 12:49:05 AM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50“ The simcha of the Rebbe’ s birthday is not just for his Chassidim, but for every Yid. Because with his birth, the Rebbe started to light up the world.” ןסינ א ״ י Tending to Tears When the Rebbe was three-years-old, Nikolayev was overrun with pogroms against Yidden. During one attack, several mothers and their children— including Rebbetzin Chana and the young Rebbe— hid in a pharmacy. Cooped up in a small room with strangers, many of the children were frightened, crying inconsolably. The kind pharmacist worried that the noise would be heard from outside and their hiding place would be found. With astounding maturity and kindness, the Rebbe— himself a young boy, walked around the room to calm the children one by one. The Rebbe’ s soothing and silent gestures restored calm. With wisdom and compassion beyond his years, the Rebbe displayed the qualities needed to reach Yiddishe neshamos. Further Reading: Sefer Hasichos 5699, pg. 323, Toras Menachem Vol. 34, pg. 110 ב ״ סרת • ּונ ֵרֹוד אי ִשׂ ָנ ר” ּומ ְד ַא ק” ַכ ל ֶש ת ֶד ֶלּוה םֹוי 251 THE REBBE’ S BIRTHDAY • 1902 ISSUE A Day to Daven In our tefilos on Yud Alef Nissan, we make sure to thank Hashem for bringing down the neshoma of our nosi. Let us also use the koach of this special day to ask Hashem for the geula, so that we can be reunited with our king once again. Guiding Light One hundred and fifteen years ago, we were zoche to the birth of the Rebbe, nosi doreinu— our generation’ s leader. Just like the young Moshe Rabeinu’ s birth illuminated his home, the birth of our generation’ s Moshe radiated a bright light to the world.“ There were terrible decrees set against the Yidden before Pesach of ב” סרת( 1902),” the Frierdiker Rebbe once shared.“ Miraculously, these were abolished.” Chassidim later made the connection: it was the Rebbe’ s birth that brought about the miracles. I read or heard what happened on Yud Alef Nissan ב” סרת( 1902) I gave extra tzedoka I was part of a farbrengen in honor of Yud Alef Nissan I participated in this month’ s Tzivos Hashem rally I sang at least one of the Rebbe’ s fourteen niggunim I said the Rebbe’ s new kapitel, ז” טק I learned the meaning of part of Rebbe’ s new kapitel, ז” טק I watched part of a video of the Rebbe’ s Yud Alef Nissan farbrengen Artwork by Mendy Lewis— The Rebbe, on the Frierdiker Rebbe’ s birthday 251 YD 11 Nissan. indd 1 2 / 16 / 2017 2:16:07 PM The Tzemach Tzedek is Born Do you know? That year on Rosh Hashona, the Alter Rebbe said a maamar that later became the first three chapters of one of the Alter Rebbe’ s famous seforim. Can you guess which one? In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ט” מקּתלולא ט " כ( 1789) I learned what happened on Chof Tes Elul, ט " מקת( 1789) Background ד ״ סב $ 2.50 ק ֶד ֶצ ח ַמ ֶצ ַה, ל ְד ְנע ֶמ ם ֵח ַנ ְמ ר " ֹומ ְד ַא ק " כ ל ֶ ׁש ת ֶד ֶלֹוה םֹוי 204 THE TZEMACH TZEDEK’ S BIRTHDAY ISSUE Why do you think the Alter Rebbe said this was a mazal tov for the“ entire Jewish nation”? Think about it! Answser: The Tanya It was early Sunday morning as the sun was just beginning to light up the sky. Chassidim hurried through the dim streets, carrying their tallis bags under their arms. The mood was solemn and serious— it was Erev Rosh Hashona, and the Chassidim in Liadi were gathering in shul for selichos. The men slowly packed into the crowded room, anxiously waiting for the davening to begin. Suddenly, all faces turned toward the door. The Chassidim stood up in awe as the Alter Rebbe approached the front of the silent room, his face shining. He began to chant selichos in his usual slow, somber melody. Tears flowed down his cheeks as he swept up the crowd with his passionate singing. The crowd swayed back and forth, their eyes filled with tears and their hearts on fire. Then the Chassidim were jolted out of their trance— the Alter Rebbe abruptly broke out into joyous song, the tune of“ Ashreichem Yisroel,” a niggun normally sung after Simchas Torah hakafos. The Chassidim looked at each other in confusion. When selichos finished, the Alter Rebbe turned to face the entire shul.“ Mazal tov! Mazal tov to us and mazal tov to the entire Jewish nation! My daughter Devorah Leah gave birth to a baby boy!” Happy cries came from every corner:“ Mazal tov! Mazal tov!” This was the child who grew up to be the Tzemach Tzedek. Further Reading: Likutei Diburim, Vol. 2, pg. 225; Hayom Yom, Vov Adar Bais; Beis Moshiach, Vol. 295 In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50“ This is what Chassidim are,” the Rebbe told the doctors who were gathered around in Gan Eden Ha’ elyon( the Rebbe’ s room). It was Shemini Atzeres ח ״ לשת( 1977), just a few hours after hakafos had come to a halt with the Rebbe’ s heart attack. From downstairs in 770, one could clearly hear Chassidim singing and dancing.“ Der Rebbe iz gezunt— the Rebbe is well.” What else can a Chossid do when his Rebbe’ s life is at risk? A Chossid says Tehilim for hours on end, beseeching Hashem’ s rachamim( mercy). A Chossid breaks a shul’ s windows on yom tov so that the Rebbe can have more air to breathe. A Chossid calls down expert doctors from all over the world, no matter the cost. And as the Rebbe so strongly encouraged during Simchas Torah of that year, a Chossid sings and dances— using simcha to break boundaries. Five weeks later, crowds begin to gather at 770. The Rebbe is going home, the masses excitedly share. Mothers leave their Shabbos preparations; businessmen walk out of meetings. They stand together in the freezing cold, united in their wait for the Rebbe to come out to greet his Chassidim. It’ s been weeks of yearning to see the Rebbe. The door of 770 opens— there stands the Rebbe in all of his glory.“ How magnificent it was to see the Kohen Gadol as he left the Kodesh Hakodoshim,” a Chossid later wrote in his diary. Tears fall as the crowd erupts in the victory niggun,“ Napoleon’ s March.” The Rebbe walks down a path made between the dancing, smiles at his Chassidim, and encourages them to continue with the simcha. Once the Rebbe’ s car pulls away, the celebrations move into 770.“ Now we can finish the hakafos that were cut short on Yom Tov,” they say. The Sifrei Torah are taken out, and Chassidim exude pure simcha as they dance around and around, celebrating Rosh Chodesh Kislev. Oh, how we’ ve waited for this moment.“ Since my father the Frierdiker Rebbe was released from prison,” Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka remarks to a Chossid near her as she watches from upstairs,“ there has not been such simcha among the Chassidim.” ו ֵל ְס ִּכ ׁש ֶדֹח ׁשאֹר ח " לשּת( 1977) I learned about what happened on Rosh Chodesh Kislev ח ״ לשת( 1977) Background! ט ְנּוז ֶעג זִיא י ֶּב ֶר ר ֶעד THE REBBE ' S RECOVERY 218 Kislev Hakafos �The luchos on the mantle of the sefer Torah here are round, because this picture was taken before the Rebbe spoke about square luchos. The true joy of Chassidim 218 YD 1 Kislev. indd 1 11 / 8 / 2016 12:56:57 AM ד ״ סב $ 2.50 In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR News of the verdict spread: Didan Notzach— we are victorious! The seforim are ours! After a year and a half of waiting for a final outcome, the case was finally closed. Chassidim from all over the world flocked to Crown Heights. Oholei Torah bochurim were in middle of taking a test when a messenger ran in with the news. The zal emptied out in seconds. Children left yeshiva with their teachers. Businessmen left their offices. On the sidewalk in front of 770, spontaneous dancing broke out. The crowd grew stronger and livelier as more Chassidim joined. The Piamenta band set up instruments and played the lebedike niggun“ Didan Notzach” over and over again. In a sicha that day after Mincha, the Rebbe compared Hay Teves to Yud Tes Kislev:“ When the Alter Rebbe was imprisoned for spreading Chassidus, he took it as a sign to put more energy into teaching. Because the prosecution of this court case claimed that Chabad was no longer active, we must also put more energy into hafotzas hamayanos— spreading wellsprings of Chassidus outward.” On Zayin Teves, the Rebbe went to the Ohel, announcing beforehand that Chassidim could send tzedoka and panim for the Rebbe to bring there.“ Through the Nosi Hador, you are writing directly to Hashem," the Rebbe said. Chassidim realized that these days were truly an eis ratzon, a special time to ask for anything. After coming back from the Ohel that night, a seudas hoda’ ah was arranged. Nat Lewin, the lawyer representing Lubavitch, was the guest speaker. Like the“ shivas yemei hamishta— seven days of celebrations” after a chasuna, festivities lasted a full week. The Rebbe spoke every night, followed by Chassidim ' s farbrengens and dancing which lasted into the wee hours of morning. As the week came to an end, the Rebbe reminded everyone that Yud Shvat was just thirty days away. It was time to get to work increasing in learning and spreading Chassidus. תבט ' ה I sang the niggun“ Didan Notzach” I made or participated in a farbrengen in school or at home I learned a sicha about the Rebbe ' s perspective on the yom tov ח ַצ ָנ םי ִר ָפ ְס ַה ְד ן ַד י ִד THE VICTORY OF THE SEFORIM 229 We Are Winners Why were the Chassidim so happy that they danced for seven days? THINK About It! 30 YEARS SINCE HAY TEVES( 1987) ז " משת 229 CYT 5 Teves. indd 1 12 / 13 / 2016 1:22:14 AM In loving memory of MRS. SARAH( CHARLOTTE) ROHR ד ״ סב $ 2.50 On Erev Shabbos Parshas Vayikra, doctors gathered around the Rebbe Rashab’ s bed, worried looks on their faces. Meanwhile, Chassidim packed into shul to say Tehilim. With their Rebbe not well for already over a week, they tearfully begged Hashem for rachamim( mercy). At approximately 10:00 p. m. on Motzei Shabbos, the Frierdiker Rebbe stood by his father’ s bed as the Rebbe Rashab began to speak.“ ךיי ַא ךי ִא ז ָאל םי ִב ָתכּ י ִד; ל ְמי ִה ןי ִא יי ֵג ך י ִא— I am going up to Shomayim; the kesovim( writings) I’ m leaving with you.” The Frierdiker Rebbe was leaning close to hear every word.“ רי ִמ טמע ֶנ םע ֶניי ֵא ןי ִא ןיי ֵז רי ִמ ןלעוֶו, ל ַאז ןי ִא— bring me to the zal and we will be together.” As the Frierdiker Rebbe realized that the Rebbe Rashab was referring to his histalkus, he shuddered in fright.“! ןִיחוֹמ! ןִיחוֹמ? תּול ֲע ַ ּפ ְת ִה? תּול ֲע ַ ּפ ְת ִה” the Rebbe Rashab told his son. He meant,“ Don’ t allow your emotions to take over; use your mind to stay in control.” The Frierdiker Rebbe’ s demeanor immediately changed. That day, his father gave him the koach to take charge of his emotions— something he would continue to do throughout the levaya and shiva period. The Rebbe Rashab’ s bed was carried to the yechidus room where he had often learned and davened. Temimim, Eltere Chassidim, and the Frierdiker Rebbe stood by. At close to 4:30 a. m. in the holy room from which his light had shone forth to the world, the Rebbe Rashab’ s neshoma returned to Shomayim. The Rebbe Rashab was laid to rest in his hometown of Rostov. During Shloshim, the house in Lubavitch where the Rebbe Rashab had lived burned down. ןסינ’ ב I told over or heard what happened on Beis Nissan פ’’ רת( 1920) פ’’ רת • ע” נ ב” ַ ׁש ַר ָה ר” ּומ ְד ַא ק” ּכ ל ֶ ׁש א ָלּולי ִה ַה םֹוי 248 THE REBBE RASHAB’ S HISTALKUS • 1920 Together in the Zal I participated in a farbrengen at school or at home I sang a niggun of the Rebbe Rashab, such as“ Niggun Rostov” I found a sefer of the Rebbe Rashab in my house I thought about or discussed how Tomchei Temimim has affected my life ןסינ’ ב MISSION CHECKLIST Further Reading: Chanoch Lenaar, pg. 16; Ashkavta D’ Rebbi, pg. 96 The Rebbe Rashab’ s house in Rostov 248 YD 2 Nissan. indd 1 2 / 16 / 2017 2:13:24 PM