This Saturday evening marks Gimmel Tammuz, known as the Rebbe’s Day. On this day, 31 years ago, the soul of the great Tzaddik and Leader of our generation — the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson — departed from this world. Since then, this date has held special significance for the Jewish people and all of humanity.
It is customary on the Rebbe’s Day to take on good resolutions, increase in mitzvah observance, and, if possible, visit his Ohel in New York. If a visit is not possible, it is appropriate to write a pidyon nefesh and request the Tzaddik’s blessing. A pidyon nefesh (abbreviated as PAN), literally a “redemption of the soul,” is a written request to a righteous person whose soul has departed the physical world.
“For more than fifty years, the Rebbe received hundreds of letters every day at his office in “770” Eastern Parkway. People of every background, occupation and level of observance would turn to the Rebbe with their spiritual and material concerns and requests for blessing. Today, people continue to send letters to be placed at the Rebbe’s Ohel for blessing and guidance.
Following the ancient tradition of leaving written prayers at holy sites,” states www.ohelchabad.org.One’s letter can be written in any language. When referring to one’s own self or mentioning someone else’s name in a letter, one should always include the name and mother’s name (e.g. Isaac the son of Sarah). It is preferable to use one’s Hebrew name. It is customary that Gentiles use their father’s name. There is no specific heading required for the letter.
You can send your letter:
By mail: 226-20 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Cambria Heights, NY 11411 USA
By fax: +1 (718) 723-4444
By email: [email protected]
Or via the online form
