by Rabbi Yossi Lew, Shliach in Peachtree City, Georgia
HISOIRERUS FOR YUD ALEF NISSAN
LOVING THE REBBE
Ahavas Hachasidim, the love of a Chossid to the Rebbe, has been a hallmark in the Chassidic world since its inception. The love of the Rebbe to the Chosid is obvious, for every Rebbe chose to be a Rebbe. His becoming the Rebbe placed upon himself the tremendous responsibility for his Chassidim, for Chassisdus, and, as it turned out for the Rabeiim of Lubavitch, also for the rest of the Jewish people. What bigger love can there be?
There were always Chassidim who were ready to do anything to fulfill their Rebbe’s desire. Just think of the story of Reb Yosef Beshenkovitch, who was a great Talmid Chochom and Rov, and was asked by the Alter Rebbe to become a Baal Agoloh – a “taxi driver” – in order to inspire a lost Jew somewhere down the road. And so it went with all the generations of all the Rebbeiim throughout the years.
But with our Rebbe it was different. The Rebbe saw the purpose of (almost all) his Chassidim to be Shluchim, ambassadors, to the rest of the world.
The Rebbe saw his mandate as repairing a world, and especially a Jewish world that was more torn than any other Rebbe had to deal with – whether from the Holocaust, Communism, widespread apathy, spiritual decline, and Jewish people who were dispersed all over the world like never before.
And the Rebbe did not just patch up and repair the world; he reinvented it. The Rebbe introduced to the world the form of Judaism and an attitude that was, and continues to be, perfect for this kind of world. Remarkably, the Rebbe continued to lead the group of Chasidim in no different manner than the Alter Rebbe (and all the Rabeiim) – delivering deep Maamorim, corresponding with the great leaders of the Jewish world in Torah in both Nigleh and Chassidus, composing Niggunim, meeting people in Yechidus, concern and leadership for the Holy land of Israel, and so forth. But it was all based on bringing the wellsprings to the Chutzoh Mamosh, something unique to our generation.
No one in history has done what the Rebbe has done, whether it is in the Rebbe’s Torah, the Rebbe’s incredible Ahavas Yisroel, or the Rebbe’s Heiligkeit, the “Ish Elokim” component.
Yet all of that pales to how much MORE the Rebbe wanted and demanded. There was a feeling that it is nonstop. Sure, the Rebbe would, at times, applaud the effort and the accomplishment, but it was always with the understanding that the next time will be better, bigger and more.
Based on this, I believe it appropriate to suggest that the loving connection to our Rebbe, was and is, more than with any other Rebbe. The demands the Rebbe placed not just on a few capable Reb Hilel Paritchers or Reb Itche Der Masmids, but on ALL of our generation are mind-boggling. The Rebbe basically expected all the Shluchim to be Rabbis, speakers, helpers, builders, fundraisers, and bosses.
And that goes for all of us.
And what did we do? We took it on. No, we didn’t just take it on. We felt PRIVILEGED to take it on. We realized the great merit that it was and is to be a part of this. True, every once in a while we felt the burden was too much and we Kvetched. And it could have even Takeh been too much, so we sent a note, a letter, a Pan B’machshovoh. But the Rebbe did not just tell us “It will all be okay”. The Rebbe basically sent us back to the so-called fire with a changed attitude, and, as was often the case, it was even more B’hatzlochoh than we could have dreamt.
No one, of course, would come back and say: You were right, Rebbe, thanks for your advice! Rather, our love to the Rebbe was displayed by the more activities and responsibilities we accepted upon ourselves.
And so, when people were murdered in Kfar Chabad, or when R’ Shlomo Kunin’s Chabad House burned down with three people inside, or when my uncle, Moshe Feller needed money facing impossible realities – the Rebbe was there not just to say all will be okay, but that it will be bigger and better than ever before. And we all have our stories, from both before Gimmel Tammuz and after, how the Rebbe was there and continues to be there, seeing this thing through L’maaloh Miderech Hatevah – beyond any measure of expactation.
Based on the above, it would seem proper to say that the love of this generation to the Rebbe of this generation, was, and continues to be, unprecedented. And no, this is not a simple “we are better.” It is important to remember this in order to better understand and feel the point about to be made here.
While the love between our Rebbe and Chassidim was always there, there were certain moments where it did not just stand openly but it simply spilled over, spilled out, and was unable to be held back.
One of those times was Yud Alef Nissan Lamed Beis, the Rebbe’s seventieth birthday But there was something then that, as far as I know at least, never happened before or since. And that is that this love that came pouring out from the Chassidim to the Rebbe, came back from the Rebbe to the Chassidim publicly.
And, Boruch Hashem, we have the evidence this time in the form of the video that was released by JEM.
But before we get to that, a Hakdomoh is necessary. We do not find birthdays being made into a big deal in the previous generations. Of course, the Gemoroh talks about Reb Yosef and his celebration when he turned 60.
We know, of course, about the Kapital that is recited throughout the year and changed at the birthday. We also know about the Rabei’im doing something privately on their Yom Holedes, and the various Minhogei Yom Holedes.
But, if anything, a birthday is generally a private matter. As it says in Hayom Yom that a Yom Holedes is a time for a person to be Misboded. It’s time for private time. In Mem Beis, in fact, when the Rebbe stopped the campaign of the throngs expected for Shnas Hashmonim, one of the reasons the Rebbe stated was that, on a birthday, one must spend time privately, and the
Rebbe would have to, instead, spend time with the Oirchim.
And so, in Tof Shin Yud Beis, on the occasion of the Rebbe’s fiftieth birthday, the Rebbe called in around thirty Chassidim, to whom the Rebbe said a short Sicha and then the Maamar Adnai Sfosai (a Posuk in Kapital Nun Alef). Doing this in front of Chassidim was unprecedented – unless one would argue that the Rebbe was treating his Chassidim as his own children! Maybe this had something to do with what the Rebbe mentioned in the later years (beginning with Purim Mem Zayin) that in some ways Chassidim become “Rebbe’s”. (Purim Mem Zayin was, as is obvious, the first direct reference to preparing for Chof Beis Shevat and Gimmel Tammuz. V’ain Kan Mekomo).
In Chof Beis, the Rebbe’s sixtieth birthday, the Rebbe actually Farbrenged with the Oilom on Yud Alef Nissan. That was an even greater surprise than ten years prior, and those who were Zoche to be present still talk about it with great excitement. Of course, as mentioned, there was precedent for this, as the Gemoroh relates about Reb Yosef and his sixtieth birthday. Derech Agav, the Rebbe walked into this Farbrengen holding Chelek Alef of Likkutei Sichos – which had been presented as a gift to the Rebbe for Shnas Hashishim. For the Rebbe to agree for this Sefer Kadisha to be printed, was already a “Dayeinu”; for the Rebbe to walk anywhere holding his own Sefer, was already a “Dayeinu”; for the Rebbe to bring it into the Farbrengen, the first Farbrengen for his birthday, and have it sitting on the Rebbe’s Heliger Tish – was absolutely amazing.
On Yud Alef Nissan Lamed Alef there was a Farbrengen. This Farbrengen began with a Maamar – the famous Maamar of B’yoim Ashtei Ossor… Anoh Nossiv Malkoh. That Maamar was one of those few Maamorim that every Chossid knows – not just the Maamar, but also when it was said and the significance of the date. Interestingly, during the same week this Maamar was Mugoh and published (mem Tes), the Rebbe said the Maamar Matza Zu, which was definitely one of the more Yotze-Doifen moments of the Nesius. (This was described in a different article).
But Yud Alef Nissan Lamed Alef could have been explained. Until that year, there would be a Farbrengen on the second night of Pesach after the Rebbe’s Seder which took place in the Frierdiker Rebbe’s quarters on the second floor of 770 (as did the meals of all the Yomim Tovim). After Asoroh B’teves of that year, there would be no more meals upstairs in the Frierdiker Rebbe’s apartment. The Rebbe held his Seder at home. As compensation, it seems, the Rebbe began to Farbreng on the Erevs. And so, the Rebbe Farbrenged on Erev Pesach (Yud Alef Nissan, and later, from Lamed Ches, also on Yud Gimmel Nissan), Erev Shvuos, Erev Rosh Hashonoh and Yud Gimmel Tishrei. Sometimes (like when Erev Shvuos would be a Shabbos) the Rebbe would Farbreng on the Thursday before – like in Mem Hei. Yud Alef Nissan Lamed Alef, three months after Asoroh B’teves of that year, would be the very first Yom Tov that the “Erev” would come into play. So Yud Alef Nissan would a perfect date for this compensation.
This could not be said, however, for the Rebbe’s 70th birthday in Tof Shin Lamed Beis. In that year, the Rebbe, in a most unusual, unprecedented, Yotze Doifen’dike manner, Farbrenged on the first two days of Pesach in their afternoons, and also on Shvii Shel Pesach. These were not very long Farbrengens, but each one was incredibly Moiradik. The Sichos were a mixture of explanations on the Hagodoh (similar to the second night of Pesach Farbrengens), and the explanations on Rebbe’s Kapital. The Biurim on the Rebbe’s Kapital were Mugoh and printed in the Hoisofois of Likkutie Sichos Cheleck Zayin.
The Farbrengen of Yud Alef Nissan, the Rebbe’s 70th birthday, was a direct Yud Alef Nissan’diker Farbrengen.
[Maamar Hamusgor: Those Pesach Farbrengens began at 3:30 in the afternoon of each day. During those Farbrengens, as well as the months before and after, the Rebbe stired up a major storm about the Russisher Yidden, the Jews from Russia, many of whom had been let out of “Mitzrayim”, as the Rebbe put it, during that time. For example, at the Farbrengen on the first day of Pesach, after the second Sicha, the Rebbe said that he wants to say an explanation on the Mah Nishtanoh, and asked that a Russian kid who recently came out of Mitzrayim, come up and say the Mah Nishtanoh, but first say the Nusach of “Tatte Ich Vil Bai Dir Fregen Di Fier Kashos,” and afterwards “Tatte Entfer Mir A Teretz.” Two kids, to whom the Rebbe paid great attention at the Yud Alef Nissan Farbrengen, were brought up to the Rebbe. The Rebbe asked that they be given L’chayim, and after the Mah Nishtanoh – which was a truly amazing scene – the Rebbe instructed to sing some Russisher Niggunim.
At the end of the Farbrengen, the Rebbe began Nyet Nyet, stood up holding his Siddur, placed the Siddur under his arm, and began to clap, while dancing for a while.
In the middle of the next day’s Farbrengen – the third Sicha – the Rebbe spoke about getting rid of the “Keil Zor Asher Bkirbechem” – foreign forces within people, Azoi Vi Der Niggun Vos Iz Letztens Arois Fun Me’achoirei Mosoch Habarzel (like the song that has lately been brought out from behind the iron curtain): Ei Vadyeme Nyeh Potonim Ivagyemi Nye Sgarim (even in water we shall not drown and even in fire we will not burn). The Rebbe then stood up, and danced for a real long time, adjusting his Gartel in the middle from the Simcha Atzumah of the dancing… (Bichlal, that Niggun was the hit of that year, and the Rebbe got up to dance quite a few times to dance, like on Chamisho Osor Bishvat.)
And then, before the next Sicha, the Rebbe instructed those kids to sing Al Achas, after which the Rebbe said a Biur on that part of the Hagodoh.
At the Farbrengen of Shvi’i Shel Pesach, the Rebbe said a whole Sicha about the Russisher Yidden (second Sicha), and at the end instructed them (those who had come out within the past three years) to say L’chaim, and began the Niggun Ei Vadyeme, and again stood up to dance. There was also a Sicha about the Russisher Yidden at the Moshiach Seuda Farbrengen, after which the Rebbe began that Niggun again. Ad Kan Maamar Hamusgar].
Since Yud Alef Nissan of the Rebbe’s 70th birthday, Yud Alef Nissan became one of the “big” and predictable Farbrengens, together with Yud Tes Kislev, Yud Shvat, Purim, Yud Beis Tammuz, Chof Ov and Vov Tishrei. [The last Yud Alef Nissan Farbrengen was in Mem Hei. In Mem Vov and Mem Zayin Yud Alef Nissan was on Sunday and Friday respectively, and the Rebbe said that the Farbrengen would be on Shabbos. From Tismach, there were no further weekday Farbrengens, and Yud Alef Nissan can never be on Shabbos].
The fact that the Rebbe should Farbreng on his own birthday is another unusual gift to us from the Rebbe, and did not go unnoticed by the Rebbe himself. In Mem Hei, the Rebbe asked (in the second Sicha) how can it be that we were all sitting and Farbrenging regarding a birthday of an Ish Proti – a private individual?
The Rebbe basically explained that since he occupies a “Groiser benkel – a big seat,” it is therefore not a private matter, but an honor for the whole Lubavitch movement! Think about that: The Rebbe is Farbrenging on his own birthday, because this is Lubavitch that is celebrating!
I think this should help us appreciate what Yud Alef Nissan means – not just to us, as is obvious, but also – to the Rebbe himself.
And with this Hakdomoh, let us go to the Yud Alef Nissan, the Rebbe’s 70th birthday. The only Lubavitcher Rebbe that made it to 70 was the Tzemach Tzedek, and that would have been in Tof Reish Chof – 1860. For over 110 years, there was no Chabad Rebbe who had been able to celebrate his seventieth birthday.
Chassidim realized, at the beginning of Lamed Beis, that this birthday must be marked by something really special. But what should be done?
Around Yud Daled Kislev Chof Tes, the Rebbe’s fortieth wedding anniversary, the Rebbe answered queries about gifts for Shnas Ho’arboim by asking for gifts related to Torah.
At the Farbrengen of Yom Simchas Torah Lamed Beis, the Rebbe dedicated the fourth Sicha to the situation with the weekly Likkutei Sichos. These would come out on a weekly basis. They would be written by a team of the Vaad L’hafotzas Sichos, and the Rebbe would then be Magiah them. The Rebbe invested hours upon hours on each and every single weekly Likkut. Eventually, of course, these were all collected in the Sifrei Kodesh Kodoshim of Likkutei Sichos.
On Simchas Torah of that year, the Rebbe basically claimed that no one was paying proper attention to them – and people don’t need to explain to the Rebbe how good they are, as the Rebbe himself knows that, as they are “Kav Shelo” – the Rebbe’s own ‘brand’. The Rebbe was not Magiah the weekly Likkut for that year.
After such a Sichah, the Bochrim decided to dedicate time in increments of 70 minutes to Likkutei Sichos. It took some time for this to materialize, for this Seder Sichos did not begin till a few weeks before Yud Alef Nissan, yet it was in this direction that people were going in order to prepare for the Rebbe’s special birthday. By the way, as a result of this learning, various Ho’oros and Chiddushim came up, which they typed up and distributed in sheets. [Later, after Yud Alef Nissan, the Rebbe allowed these Ho’oros not just to be printed more regularly, but also to be one of the 71 Mosdos, as will be shortly mentioned! These, of course, turned out to be the first Ho’oros Hatmimim and Anash].
Chassidim around the world began to stir. There were all kinds of suggestions and actions related to 70.
Towards the end of the Farbrengen of Purim of that year, when Yud Alef Nissan began to occupy the minds of all Chassisim in earnest, the Rebbe openly and clearly asked that any gift people wanted to give – which would obviously be given in order to to bring a Nachas Ruach – should be related to Torah, Nigleh or Pnimiyus Hatorah. The Rebbe also gave permission for people to come for Yud Alef Nissan as long as they would be with their families for Yom Tov.
It was understood, and very much felt, that the Rebbe was considering this year as a special one as well.
Around Rosh Chodesh Nissan time, R. Moshe Teleshevsky put the words of Bechoh Hashem to an old Bobover Chassidisher Niggun that he remembered hearing when in Taskent or Samarkand from one of those Chassidim, and sent it into the Rebbe. The Rebbe responded that he should teach it to the Oilom and see if it would be accepted by them.
This Niggun was accepted big time. It became the “theme song” of that Yud Alef Nissan, as will be shortly explained. [Three other Niggunim were put to words and popularized for that Yud Alef Nissan: K’mofeis – by Reb Shmuel B’tzalel Althouse, Ovoi Bigvurois, by R. Zalman Vilshansky, and Teraneino, an old (and great!) Nikoliyever Niggun, by someone else. The Reshimos claim that R. Leibel Altein put the words to the song, but I have been told that it definitely wasn’t him].
Shortly before Yud Alef Nissan, word came out that the Rebbe was going to Farbreng on Yud Alef Nissan, Sunday night. This news created great excitement. Those who were still wondering whether or not to come be with the Rebbe, decided to come. And let’s remember, in those days it was really a big deal to travel, especially spontaneously, and very few people traveled by plane for a mere couple of days.
Yud Alef Nissan was on Motzei Shabbos. The Yud Alef Nissan festivities began at the Farbrengen of that Shabbos, Shabbos Tzav, Shabbos Hagodol. The Rebbe began the Farbrengen with: “Oif B’choh Hashem Chosisi”, and the entire Sichah was an explanation on that Posuk and on the Rebbe’s new Kapital, of Tehilim, Ayin Alef, in general.
The Second Sicha was about Shabbos Hagodol, in which the Rebbe also explained the Posuk a little later, Kmoifeis. An interesting point about this Sicha is how the Rebbe connected the concept of Shabbos Hagodol with the Sheva Mitzvos – something the Rebbe began to push in earnest years later, and especially on Yud Alef Nissan eleven years later, in Mem Gimmel.
The third Sicha was actually a Maamar K’ein Sicha, whose Dibbur Hamaschil was Lam’natzeach L’dovid L’hazkir – the first words of the Kapital Ayin. This Moiradiker Maamar is all about a Roieh, a Shepherd, a Nossi, and the Torah of the Baal Shem Tov (one of the seven Toros the Rebbe Rashab heard in Gan Eden) that you, Nesi’ei Yisroel, Zei Gibben Zich Op Azoi Fil Tzu Ton Mit Andere (who give so much of themselves for others) Vos Vet Zein Mit Zei – what will become of their own Torah Va’avodah.
And the Rebbe talks about two levels in the Roieh-Nossi, and with this, explains the emphasis of “Lehazkir” to the more personal level of the Nossi. This Maamar seems to be a Hemshech to the famous B’yom Ashtei Osor from the year before.
After this, there was a “regular” Maamar (with a Niggun), Dibbur Hamaschil Be’osor Lachodesh, in which there were many references to the number 70.
The next Sichos were the Rashi and the Ho’oros in Zohar, in between which there was a long Sicha about Mihu Yehudi.
The Rashi, about the removal of the ashes from the Mibeach (Hotzoas Hadeshen), led into the lesson that the Kohen himself has to go “Michutz Lamachaneh” to take out the ashes, and the fact that everyone is responsible to go “Michutz Lamachaneh” to spread Yiddishkeit.
To this end, the Rebbe announced that since the next day (Yud Alef Nissan, of course) is “Mein Tog” – my day (other remember the Rebbe saying that it is important Benogea LI (to me)), the Rebbe is therefore going to give a GIFT of a pair of Tefillin to anyone who may not have own one of their own. Just so that it shouldn’t be for nothing, the Rebbe was asking for the person to pay one dollar!
Additionally: The Rebbe announced that money was going to be distribute money through Mazkirus to all those who head organizations. [A long line was formed outside of Rabbi Chodakov’s office on Sunday, and $71.00 was given to each person. It was given as a $50.00 bill, a $20.00 and a $1.00 Only those responsible for the organizations were given this money. Those leading departments within the organizations were not included].
On Motzei Shabbos after Maariv, the Niggun Bechoh Hashem was started, and major dancing ensued. Downstairs, upstairs, outside, inside… Bechoh Hashem was everywhere.
That night, Yechidus was scheduled for various groups of delegations for Shnas Hashivim, as that would be the only chance for these people – most of whom would be leaving on Monday – to go into Yechidus. Groups of Rabbonim, such as Igud Horabbonim, plus a delegation from Israel (Rabin), as well as groups from various places around the world who did something special for Shnas Hashivim. A group from England were called in. England had been asked to print a Tanya there for the first time, as the Rebbe wanted the editions to get to number 70. The Rebbe gave each person from the group from London a Tanya edition number 70 (printed in Eretz Yisroel), during that Yechidus.
A group of Ziknei Anash also went in to bless the Rebbe on this special ocassion. Reb Zalman Shimon Dworkin, the Rov of Lubavitch, was not in this group, and the Rebbe asked that he be called in. The Rebbe waited for him. At the end of that Yechidus, R’ Zalman Shimon stayed on for a few extra minutes.
—–
As the Rebbe walked up to and into 770, the Rebbe’s face was Poshut glowing. As the Rebbe entered along the path of 770, he began to clap to the singing. The Rebbe was walking and clapping with a sort-of Simchas Torah’diken Tziyur. The Rebbe entered 770, and a photographer was standing there, and captured a picture of the Rebbe clapping while walking towards his Cheder Kodesh. That picture really captures the Simcha on the Rebbe’s Ponov Hakdoshos. [By the way, the photographer was a guy called Allan Shumeister (?), from Minnesota, a Mekurav of my uncle, R’ Moshe Feller].
The dancing continued well into the night.
The next day, Yud Alef Nissan, the Rebbe was at the Ohel, and did not return till 6:30. The Farbrengen would begin at 8:30. There were big circles of dancing Chassidim outside when the Rebbe came back from the Ohel.
My grandfather, R’ Zalman Jaffe, writes that he arrived downstairs at 6:00, even before the Rebbe returned from the Ohel, and there was a great excitement in the air that could be felt.
This Farbrengen was packed! Many guests had arrived from all over the world, and plenty others, came for this Farbrengen, which had been advertised in all the major outlets. To accommodate everyone, the Farbrengen was extended basically to the Oron Kodesh from one end, and a very high (and rickety) pyramid was built along the western wall of 770. This was, of course, before the permanent bleachers were built, and before the current porch, built for Nun-Gimmel – Daled.
These bleachers were designed to accommodate hundreds more, and allow people to see and be part of the Farbrengen.
As the Rebbe left the Farbrengen walking alongside these bleachers, the whole thing collapsed. People were falling left right and center Mamosh right next to the Rebbe. Certain Chassidim placed their arms around the Rebbe to protect from falling people…. And it was lucky they did.
[By the way, I heard a really special story about this. A certain Bochur who had fallen, saw a hand extended downwards, and he grabbed on to this hand to lift him up. It turned out to be the Rebbe’s hand…This Bochur was mortified, completely broken about this. So much so, at some point he locked himself in his room for three days, unable to come to himself. During those years, the Hanholoh of the Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim were still go into Yechidus once a month in order to give a report of the happenings in the Yeshivah.
The Hanholoh related to the Rebbe the whole story with this Bochur and how terrible he feels. The Rebbe, like only the Rebbe, our father, could, said: Veizt Ois Az Es Iz a Chassidisher Bochur – it seems that this is a really Chassidisher Bochur!… Imagine getting that kind of compliment from the Rebbe! I do not know the name of this Bochur. Perhaps he is reading these words and he can verify the story, and ensure that the details are correct].
There was an intense and very palpable inspired atmosphere at this Farbrengen. Bechoh Hashem was started long before the Rebbe came in to the Farbrengen, and it did not stop until the Rebbe sat down. The Rebbe had his new hat pulled over almost till his Holy eyes in a very interesting way. Just see the video…
The first Sicha was a short one about the Brochoh which is a vessel when everyone is unified. They sang K’moifeis after this. The next four Sichos were a most wonderful revelation of explaining the Posuk in Iyuv “Odom L’omol Yulod” (or as the Rebbe often said: Yivoled) – man was born to toil. This was an obvious reference to turning 70, as well as an introduction to what is unquestionably not just the pillar of this Farbrengen, but the pilar of the Rebbe’s attitude, as well as what the Rebbe demands from us from that time till this very day.
Some of the points the Rebbe made in those Sichos: Yetzias Mitzraim, being the beginning of the Jewish people, should present the ultimate purpose of Am Yisroel. Since Hashem is the ultimate good, it would make sense that the ultimate for mankind should be to attain the best “Tov” possible – which should be when everything, all essential needs, is provided to a person. But the words are Odom “L’OMOL Yulod, a person’s purpose is to toil. As the Torah records what Hashem said to Odom, L’OVDOH Ul’shomroh – to WORK the land and oversee it. And as it indeed worked out once the Jewish people left Egypt: before they entered into the Land, it was first TAAVDUN – SERVE Hashem. And even before they left Egypt they were already commissioned to be “Taavdun” through performing the Bris and the Korban Pesach.
in other words, the idea of “Tov” to be revealed in this world is only fully realized when toil is involved, because a person wants his (or her) own participation and place, or in the words of the Gemara, “Kav Sheloi”, and not to merely receive everything prepared. This is the nature of humans, to want to utilize their own resources to accomplish.
One may ask: Why did Hashem need to create a person with the nature to desire “Kav Sheloi”. Why not create a person who would enjoy being a receiver? The answer is because a person would always be considered “Mernit Vi A Mekabel” – just a simple receiver. But the Almighty wanted people to achieve a higher purpose in life, which is to be a Shutef, a partner, to the Creator, Hakodosh Boruch Hu. This elevates a person to the level of creator himself! And this is why it is so challenging to perform Torah and Mitzvos, because only through the Yegiah, the toil, a person is able to achieve a more complete and more satisfactory outcome. 5600 1 st 11220.
These three Sichos were really beautiful and rich. The Rebbe also summarized these points in the second letter sent out for Pesach to all Klal Yisroel. Until this year, the Rebbe would send out a single letter with the message for Pesach. From Lamed Beis, till Nun Alef, the Rebbe would send at least two letters for Pesach, the second one dated Yud Alef Nissan.
After the second Sicha, Bechoh Hashem was sung. Hu Elokeinu, Shamil’s Niggun and Vehi Sheomdoh were sung after Sichah three, four and five. Then came the Maamar Byom Ashtei Osor, which was a Hemshech to the second Maamar on Shabbos, which was on the Posuk B’osor.
This Maamar was filled with references to 70 according to Chassidus and Kaboloh. The Rebbe mentioned all the Rabeiim in this Maamar, including the Baal Shem Tov and Maggid, as he would during the Maamorim of special days like Rosh Hashonoh and Yud Shevat.
And then came The Moment. A moment that changed the course of Chabad.
The Niggun that was sung after the Maamar was originally something else, but fairly quickly was changed to Bechoh Hashem. It was quite clear to those who started Bechoh Hashem yet again, that this Maamar was all about Yud Alef Nissan Shivim Shono RIGHT NOW, and this was the appropriate Niggun which embodied the special time and moment.
And how amazingly appropriate! The Rebbe encouraged the singing with light movements of his holy head, and, at times, also encouraged the singing lightly with his holy hand. The Rebbe was also singing with the Oilom for almost the entire time. That, however, seemed to be just an encouragement that the Oilom was onto something.
It was the way the crowd was responding to this moment, and the way they were singing, it was clear that they were making a statement. The response of the Oilom was singing and dancing disproportionately – much more and with greater intensity than was the norm with these types of encouragement of the Rebbe.
In the Hanochoh of this Farbrengen it says that they sang this Niggun with a great “Hisoirerus”, or inspiration. The Rebbe referred to this singing at the beginning of the next Sicha that it was a “Hisoirerus Nikar Begolui,” or “a recognizable inspiration”.
No other place in the Rebbe’s Torah is it recorded that a Niggun was sung with a “Hisoirerus”. And it goes without saying that the Rebbe never reacted by calling the previous Niggun a “Hisoirerus”.
The tape of this Farbrengen does not contain the Niggun, for they erased it, as they used to do with most Niggunim those days, to save the tape space. This “Hisoirerus” factor, recorded in the Hanacha, remained a great mystery for me growing up, as I was not Zoiche to attend that Farbrengen personally. I had asked quite a few of those who were Zoche to be there about this, and people were unable to satisfactorily describe it. How does one describe a “Hisoirerus”?
As soon as I was able to see the video of this Farbrengen and watched this Niggun, I think it is safe to say that this is one of the most beautiful Giluyim one can see as a Chosid of our Rebbe.
You know, when they sang Bechoh Hashem after the second Sicha, it was also with a real joy and enthusiasm, and even a Hisoirerus.
But nothing, nothing, like this time after the Maamar.
As the Niggun became more and more intense, you notice that everyone, even those not usually inclined, is bouncing up and down and singing. At one point, almost all those who were sitting on the benches in front of the Rebbe’s table, all stood up. Everyone was part of this. Rabbi Mentlik, who never sang any songs (Perhaps due to his legendary deep and complete Bittul to the Rebbe), also did not sing now, but even he was smiling and moved, as can be clearly seen in the video. Lubavtich is blessed with great thinkers, Maskilim and Talmidei Chachomim, and singing Niggunim are not necessarily their “thing”. Even those stoic ones, who never seemed to be too excited, were all into this, standing, clapping, dancing, moving. Zekeinim Im ne’orim, young and old, were all moving. The cameraman continued to pan the crowd, and anyone can see that something really special was happening here.
To me, the whole place was screaming to the Rebbe three words, over and over again:
WE LOVE YOU!
You can’t miss it. If you do, watch it again.
There is no mistaking the overwhelming outpouring of pure love. No, not just the feeling of how fortunate we are, “Ashreinu Mah Tov Chelkeinu”, not just that we are the “winning team”. That – we always felt and knew, and feel and know.
This moment was a deep outpouring of love, an Ahavah Atzmis, that had simply boiled over. Ask anyone who was there – as I have – and after telling you that they can’t describe it, they will basically confirm it was just a pure love.
The song went on and on, for about 20 minutes. The great joy and sheer happiness of all those present is clear, palpable, and complete.
The Rebbe spent most of the Niggun and moment of love looking and observing; “Kvakoras Roieh Edroi” – like a shepherd overseeing his flock. The Rebbe seemed to be looking and detecting how real this love is. And the Rebbe was convinced about the reality of this, because the Rebbe basically said so.
The Rebbe began the next Sicha that there is something “an Inyan” which he wishes to install (“Areinshtelen”) with a shtarkeit (firmly), and he was waiting that there should be a Hisoirerus, also a Hisoirerus Nikar B’golui.
The Rebbe then said that people suggested that at seventy years old it is time to retire, to rest, to Shpatzir (to take a stroll), to go on a vacation. Said the Rebbe that after the Tehilim discusses the years of a person (“Yemei Shnoiseinu”) which are 70, the Tehillim continues about strength, “V’im Bigvuros”, or an increased effort.
The Rebbe, later in this famous Sicha, introduced the concept of Ayin Alef (71) new institutions to be established by the next Yud Alef Nissan.
The Rebbe paused for a long second after stating this… 71 new institutions in Lubavitch does not sound too far-fetched for this day and age. But in those days, Lubavitch was so much smaller – beyond comparison. The world contained a dozen or so Chabad Houses around the entire world, and very little resources as today. To suggest that 71 new places ought to be established in one year would be like suggesting 10,000 today!
The Rebbe himself continued the Sicha, and said: Mistamoh – probably – there will be those Vos Velen Dershreken (become alarmed) from such a number… And so, from all the dancing and singing they will be inspired enough not to pay attention to such a promise. And after beginning doing something about this, they will realize that it is really not as difficult as it seems.
The Rebbe said that a Chelek Hamaaser – a tenth – of all the expenses will be given from the “Keren Hashivim”, a fund the Rebbe established on that day.
This bombshell of a Sicha was the Rebbe’s response to the love. The Rebbe was basically saying: We, in Chabad, were never only about eating Kugel, saying L’chayim, and singing and dancing in front of the Rebbe. We were about taking the L’chayim, together with this song and dance, and turning over the world!
And then we have, and we will continue to see, the Rebbe’s love to everyone, especially to those building these institutions. [The projects of 71 new institutions were not just Chabad Houses. They also included Mikvos, libraries, and even the Nichoach records from then and on. Although there were Vaadim, committees, to set into motion this revolution, every one of the 71 institutions had to be approved by the Rebbe himself, as would be obvious. There was no precedent for this, so not everyone had the ability to fully grasp what to do, how, and so forth].
After this Sicha, R Simcha Elberg wanted to leave. The Rebbe said told him that the next Sicha will be discussing an idea in Nigleh, at the conclusion of Mesechta Pesochim and the Rebbe will be very glad (“Zeyer Tzufridden”) if he stayed for that. The Rebbe explained that he waited until now, since there were practical matters he wanted to get through first.
There were three Sichos Following this one: A Hadran on Psochim – different to the one the Rebbe made in Shnas Hashishim, a Sicha about education and the Russian Jews, and a Sichah about the women – common to all big Farbrengens of those years.
After the Hachonoh Niggun and the Alter Rebbe’s Niggun, the Rebbe instructed to sing Nyeh Zshuritze, and the Rebbe stood up to dance with great joy and fervor.
At about 2:30, with the Rebbe singing Al Achas, the Rebbe left the Farbrengen.
The next day, the Rebbe distributed to all Shluchim a thin Hagodoh that had been printed then, together with Matzah.
What the Rebbe did with these 71 Mosdos was basically take Lubavitch to a whole new level.
This would mean, of course, infinitely more work for the Rebbe, as the ranks of Lubavitch were about to swell as a result to proportions beyond comparison.
At the young age of 70, the Rebbe insisted on a whole new effort and energy that would bring Lubavitch to a whole new and different kind of level. This is what the Rebbe wanted for his birthday “gift”.
And the Rebbe, at age 70, was going to lead the charge of this energy. And wow, did the Rebbe ever do this. There is no comparison from the Lubavtich of the early Lameds to Lubavitch of the early Mems, and, of course, as it continued from there.\
Something to demonstrate this: In the Sichos Kodesh books with those big pages, over ONE HUNDRED of them contain the Sichos of the SIX (!) Farbrengens of that Yud Alef Nissan-Pesach! And that is with some of the Farbrengens in the shorter than Yiddish Hebrew, and some are written in brief, with 2-3 Sichos completely missing from the Farbrengen of Achron Shel Pesach.
And the Maamorim delivered in those Farbrengens take up about another fifty pages.
How’s that for a seventieth birthday celebration!!
And one more thing: If you haven’t yet seen the video footage of this Farbrengen, please go ahead and do so. One never regrets watching a video of the Rebbe, but you will really thank yourself for watching this one.
Videos are the closest thing to the real thing in the current terrible situation of the Rebbe’s physical absence. But they are at least closer to the real thing that not watching it at all.
And when you do watch it, try and put yourself there. Get up and dance with everyone Bechoh Hashem Chosisi. Bounce yourself up and down. Do it because you love the Rebbe and the Rebbe loves you.
And do it because it pays to live and realize that we have the merit that we are the generation of the Rebbe.
And the Rebbe is our Rebbe.
And living with the Rebbe like will continue to inspire us to turn this world over, building more and more, until the Rebbe comes back and shows us why AL AVOISHOH L’OILOM.
Rebbe, we love you.
