Note Discovered on Rare Photo

By COLlive reporter

Kehot publications is printing a newly discovered chassidic discourse (maamar) as well as a rare photo of the sixth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Frierdiker Rebbe, of blessed memory.

Both exciting finds will be published in the booklet “Vehamaskilim Yazhiru —5695” released in honor of Yud Shvat, yartzeit of the Frierdiker Rebbe.

The booklet was prepared by Rabbi Aaron Leib Raskin, a longtime editor of the Chabad Rebbes’ teachings, who is part of the editorial staff of “Otzar Hachasidim – Kehot.”

Rabbi Raskin answered a few questions from COLlive.com.

* Please tell us about this “new” maamar.

Rabbi Raskin: The Frierdiker Rebbe recited it in Warsaw, Poland, in the year 5695 (1935) and it begins with a verse from the book of Daniel, “vehamaskilim yazhiru kezohar harakiah. It’s being published for the first time.

* Where did you find this maamar?

It is printed from a copy of handwritten notes from the Frierdiker Rebbe that is currently in the Russian Military Archive in Moscow, among many thousands of manuscripts.

* How did a maamar said in Poland end up in Russia?

When the Frierdiker Rebbe left Poland in the winter of 5700 (1939), during World War II, he wasn’t able to take with him the large archive that he had amassed. Instead, he left it in the American embassy in Warsaw that had diplomatic immunity. In reality, the Nazis ransacked the embassy.

Some of the manuscripts were left in Warsaw and taken to a library there. In 5738 (1977), this archive was tracked down and with much effort was brought to the Rebbe at 770 Eastern Parkway.

* You specify that only some were transferred. What happened to the rest?

For years, the common thought was that it was burnt or lost. Later, we learned that half of the archive that was stolen by the Nazis ended up in the hands of the Soviets. It remains in Russian captivity until today…

* Despite having access to them for publication, the wish is to have them brought to the Agudas Chassidei Chabad Library in Brooklyn?

Of course! In the words of the Rebbe on Shabbos Vayigash 5752 (1991): “May all the seforim and kesovim of Raboseinu Nesienu be returned to their real place… and join all the seforim and kesovim of Raboseinu Nesienu.”

* Can you share with us a thought from this newly published maamar?

The Frierdiker Rebbe writes that each and every person sees G-dliness in actuality – through the Divine providence that each person experiences around him. It is only because of the many hardships and confusion that surrounds us that makes us forget what we are seeing.

* And what is the solution to that?

The Frierdiker Rebbe says that the first task in order to rectify this, is to get into the habit of contemplating and paying attention to everything one sees in areas of Divine providence and Torah and Mitzvos. We should connect our head with our heart, to the G-dliness that the mind is thinking about.

* What can you tell us about this rare photo and the note that is included in the booklet?

The Frierdiker Rebbe spent a month in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the year 5690 (1930). Before leaving, a large farewell event was held for him with 1000 people. A picture was taken of him while addressing the crowd.

The next day, the Frierdiker Rebbe sent the photo to his wife, Rebbetzin Nechama Dina, noting that as the picture was taken he was saying the following words: “Hold on strong to the gift that HaShem has given you – the holy Torah.”

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+ Vehamaskilim Yazhiru —5695