Tomorrow evening, along with Shabbat, comes the solemn day of the 10th of Shvat or Yud Shvat. This day marks the 75th anniversary of the Rebbe’s leadership, for on this day the previous Head of the Lubavitcher Movement, the Sixth Rebbe, Yosef-Yitzhak Schneerson, passed away, and on the same day, one year later, his son-in-law Menachem-Mendel Schneerson assumed the leadership of the Jewish people and the title of Lubavitcher Rebbe.
This day, the 10th of Shvat, is celebrated as the birthday of our generation, for it is believed that a generation changes when its Head changes. It is customary to study the maimor “Bosi LeGani” for this day, since it was the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem-Mendel Schneerson, who recited it upon assuming the title of Rebbe. This year, the maamar 5725 and 5745 (which corresponds to the years 1965 and 1985 according to the civil calendar) are studied.
In 5711 Rosh Chodesh Shvat, ten days before the Rebbe assumed leadership of the Jewish people, he sent a letter to Jewish communities explaining how the day of the Previous Rebbe’s istalkut should be celebrated.
“Rosh Chodesh Shvat 5711, Brooklyn, New York.
To our community, to the students – “tmimim”, to all those who were associated or related to the Previous Rebbe, may G-d bless you all!
Greetings and Blessings!
In response to the many questions about the special order (to be followed), on the 10th of Shvat, on the “yortzeit” (anniversary of the passing from this world) of the previous Rebbe, I suggest:
1) On the Shabbat preceding “yortzeit”, (everyone) should endeavor to get an “aliyah” (to be called to the Torah).
2) If there are not enough “aliyot” (for all present) – one should read the Torah (several times) in different rooms. The number of “aliyot” (called to the Torah) should not be exceeded.
3) The “Minyan” (assembly of ten Jews) should see to it that the maftir is read by the most respected person. This choice should be made based on the agreement of the majority of the congregation (assembly), or by lot.
4) One must choose a “shliach tzibur” (prayer leader) on the day of “yortzeit”. It makes sense to divide this privilege by selecting one person for the evening prayer, a second person for the morning prayer, and a third person for the afternoon prayer. In this way, a greater number of “anash” (members of the community) will receive this privilege.
5) It is necessary to light a candle (“yortzeit”), which should burn for twenty-four hours. If it is possible, one should take a beeswax candle.
6) Five candles should be lit during the prayer.
7) After the morning prayer and recitation of Teilim (Psalms), the Chazan should study (complete the study of) the 24th chapter of Mishnaiot “Kelim” and the 7th chapter of Mishnaiot “Mikvaot”. He should then recite the Mishnah “Rabbi Hananiah ben Akashya…” and then recite to himself a few lines (usually a specific phrase is recited) from “Tanya” and then recite “Kaddish De Rabbanan”.
8) After the evening prayer, one should recite by heart a portion of the maamar (Bati le-Ghani) published on the day of the passing of the previous Rebbe. If there is no one to recite it by heart, one should recite it from the text. This should also be done after the shacharit (morning prayer), and after the minhah (afternoon prayer) the reading of the maamar should be completed.
9) Before shacharit, one should study a chapter from the Taniyah. The same before minhah.
10) In the morning, before prayer, donations should be made to those organizations associated with the previous Rebbe. Donations should be made for yourself and for each member of your family. The same should be done before the mincha.
11) After the morning prayer and the recitation of “Bati le-Ghani” by heart, everyone should recite the “pidyon nefesh” (“redemption of the soul” – a written address) (of course, wearing a “gartl” – a prayer belt). Those who have been to a “yehidut” (reception) with the Previous Rebbe or have seen him in person should visualize his image and then imagine themselves standing in front of him.
Then the “pidyen nefesh” should be enclosed between the pages of (some) “maamar” or “cuntresa”, etc., and sent (if possible, on the same day) to be read at his “ohel” (grave).
12) During the day – learn the chapters of the Mishnah that begin with the letters that make up the name of the previous Rebbe.
13) During the day – hold a “farbrengen” (Hasidic gathering).
14) One should take time during the day to tell his family about the life of the previous Rebbe, and his service to G-d that he carried through his life.
15) During the day (for those who are able to do so), one should visit other synagogues and “beit midrashim” (places of Torah study) and read excerpts or sayings from the teachings of the previous Rebbe. His love for every Jew should be shared. One should also tell and explain his regulations regarding the daily reading of the Teilim (Psalms), the study of the weekly chapter of the Humash (Pentateuch) with Rashi’s (Rabbeinu Shlomo ben Yitzhaki’s) commentary that falls on a given day, and, where appropriate, the study of the Taniyah according to the daily chapters of the yearly cycle into which it is divided. If possible, all of this should be done during “farbrengen”.
16) During the day (for those who are able to do so), one should visit the centers of the observant youth and try, as much as possible, to meet with the youth who do not yet observe the Torah laws – and tell them about the special care that the previous Rebbe always showed for them. One should tell them what he asked of them, the hopes and aspirations he placed in them, and his belief that they would eventually fulfill their task of strengthening the Jewish way of life and spreading Torah with the energy, warmth and vibrancy that is characteristic of youth.
It is clear that, if circumstances permit, the above should be continued after Yortzeit, especially on the Shabbat that follows it. And may G-d hasten the coming of our Deliverer, and then “those who lie in the dust will rise and rejoice,” and our head among them. May he tell us of the miracles, and may he lead us on the road that goes to the House of G-d.”
