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NISSAN 5774
ISSUE 18 (95)
THE
NIGGUNIM
TWO
PRECIOUS
MINUTES
LET THE
WORLD SEE!
THE REBBES
BROADCASTED
FARBRENGENS
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3
4
5
10
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26
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EDITORIAL
I was pained to receive the news. I am together with you in
your great pain. May her neshama be bound within eternal
life. [The Rebbes signature]
n this edition, you will find, alongside the regular columns, several exciting features, including an article
about the evolvement of the Rebbes Farbrengens being
broadcasted live on television, bringing the message of light
to millions. Much of the information and documents in this
article are being presented here for the very first time.
We have also including a comprehensive overview of the
Yud Alef Niggunim throughout the years with a focus on the
Rebbes attention to them. A review of the Yud Alef Nissan
Farbrengen 5742 (a video of this Farbrengen, has been released by JEM previously) gives a taste of the celebration of
the Rebbes 80th birthday. This issue is also graced with an
unprecedented glimpse into the life of the Chossid Horav
Dovid Raskin.
Many pictures in this edition are being publicized here for
the very first time Pirsum Rishon, including those of Mayim
Shelanu in the Behind the Picture column.
The Editors
Yom Habahir Chof Hey Adar 5774
hy is a Birthday a joyous
occasion?
When a person is born he begins his
service of Hashem to purify the world
and make it a dirah betachtonim. Even
though the potential to do this avoda
comes from the neshomoand the
neshomo exists before birtha person
begins his actual avodah only when he is
born.
Regarding Moshe Rabeinu, the Torah
says, And she [Yocheved, his mother]
saw that he was good. Rashi explains
that the house was filled with light when
he was born.
But Moshes neshomo was in the
house before he was born, albeit in his
mothers womb. So why does Rashi say
that the house was filled with light only
after he was born? Because, before Moshe
was born, the houseand in a broader
sense, the worldwas dark; he was yet to
impact the world. Only when he was
born was the house filled with light.
This idea extends itself further. Before
birth, while the neshomo is in the mothers womb, a malach teaches it the entire
4 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
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THE REBBE'S
EIGHTIETH YEAR
YUD ALEPH
NISSAN 5742
"
"
....
NISSAN 5774
|5
6 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
SHABBOS HAGADOL
EREV YUD ALEPH NISSAN
Words cannot do
justice to the
mood that
dominated at the
Chassidims
Farbrengen on
that joyous night
another and wished heartfelt blessings
that the Rebbe should be well,
and continue to lead the Jewish
people to the final Geulah!
THE GRAND FARBRENGEN
|7
THE REBBE GIVES OUT SPECIAL TANYAS AFTER THE FARBRENGEN. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
8 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
Before conducting a Siyum on Rambam, the Rebbe prefaced: Although tomorrow is indeed a work-day and it is
already quite late being as things
dragged out to take longer than initially
intended we must, nevertheless, still
conduct a Siyum as always, in addition to
the recitation of a Maamor Chassidus.
The Rebbe then continued with a
Hadran on the Rambam, explaining
the various details of the final Halachos of the Sefer HaYad and linking
them to the beginning of the Sefer.
THE TANYA
as well.
No sooner than the very beginning of
the distribution, chaotic pushing erupted
in the Shul amongst all the participants.
Seeing the situation, the Rebbe sat down
and announced over the microphone,
As long as there will be pushing, I will
not give out any Tanyas! The Rebbe
then waited a few seconds, after which he
resumed the distribution.
With the farbrengen having lasted five
and a half hours, the distribution only
began at 3:00 in the morning! At first, the
Rebbe handed out the Tanyas from a
standing position, and, at 3:45, he sat
down and continued from his seat. One
can only imagine the amount of energy
that the Rebbe gave for the hours-long
distribution; something that displayed
itself when he eventually held one hand
with the other for support... Still, the
Rebbe continued to give more and more
to each and every individual who passed
by that night. After all the men had re-
NISSAN 5774
|9
The Greatest
Pleasure
The Rebbes appreciation for peulos
done in honor of Yud Aleph Nissan is
well known. In this maane to Tzach of
Montreal, the Rebbe thanks them for the
matona they presented in honor of Yud
Aleph Nissan Shnas Hashivim, 5732.
The Rebbe expresses how appreciative
he is in the most extraordinary terms,
for their efforts in honor of Yud Aleph
Nissan:
10 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
Dor Hashvii
Our Generation
Q.
A.
NISSAN 5774
| 11
'' '
12 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
Chassidim have long had the minhag to say the Rebbes kapitel daily. This strengthens
our connection with the Rebbe and awakens the special zechusim of being a Chosid.
The Alter Rebbe taught that Negina (song) is the kulmus hanefesh (the pen of the
soul) and is central to the Avoda of Chassidim. Whether it expresses gaaguim
(yearning) or dveikus (connection), a niggun captures the feeling directly from ones
nefesh and transcends the spoken word.
Our generation - Dor Hashvii has merited the special phenomena of using negina to
express our deep and infinite love for the Rebbe, and we were zoche to see the Rebbes reciprocation of that love. Every year on Yud Alef Nissan, the new niggun, composed with the words of the Rebbes new kapitel took a central place in the celebration of the Rebbes birthday.
While this well-known tradition continues until today, you may wonder how it started.
How was the niggun chosen? What was the Rebbes reaction to the new niggun? Read
along as we give an overview of how this most unique practice came to be.
NISSAN 5774
| 13
At the farbrengen of Motzoei Shabbos, Yud Alef Shevat 5724, toward the end of the
farbrengen, the Rebbe said:
We find ourselves on a day during which it will not matter if I will not take the
[feelings] of the crowd into account. Therefore, even though no one thought about it,
maybe someone can start the niggun Ach Lelokim (whose words were in the Rebbes kapitel of that year)...
The Rebbe turned to Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky and asked him to start the niggun.
After the niggun was sung, the Rebbe said What was just sung was in connection to
the one who takes to the Ohel of the Frierdiker Rebbe and back. There is also the one
who gives the car, and he should also say Lechaim and sing the niggun. The Rebbe
turned to Reb Shmuel Aizik Popack and told him to say a big Lechaim and explained
that it is connected to Parnassa.
The Rebbe then said About others, even speaking to them does not have an effect,
and he [Reb Shmuel Aizik] was effected even by a thought, although he probably
does not even know that I am thinking about him
14 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
|
:
( ) :
In honor of the Rebbes 68th birthday,
and 20 years of the Rebbes Nesius, the
Temimim Shneur Zalman Wilschansky
and Zalman Chanin matched the words
Ki Elokim to the tune of Dayenu.
They sang the niggun when they went to
greet their friends at the airport after
returning from two years on Shlichus,
but the niggun had not yet been sung in
the Rebbes presence.
Regarding the first time this niggun
was sung in front of the Rebbe, Reb Sholom Chaskind relates:
On the first day of Shavuos 5730, I
was invited to the seudah which the Rebbe took part of upstairs. Those invited to
the Seudah decided that we will sing the
new niggun that was composed for Yud
Alef Nissan with the words Ki Elokim.
There were some who questioned how
the Rebbe would react to the niggun. It
was decided that between the fish and
meat courses, Reb Itche Churgin would
start the niggun.
I sat facing the Rebbe on the other side
of the table and at the decided moment, I
glanced at Reb Itche, but I realized from
the look on his face that he forgot how
the niggun started. I decided to start the
REB YITZCHOK DUBOV SINGS A NIGGUN AT A FARBRENGEN. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
| 15
A CHASSIDISHER TANTZ
Even after the Rebbe left the farbrengen of Yud Alef Nissan 5732, the Chassidim
continued to dance with great joy and energy to the new niggun Becha Hashem for
many hours. During the excitement, Chassidim decided to create a circle of dancing
around the Rebbes room. In order to do this, a long line headed up back stairs to the
hallway and headed out the front door of 770 and turned right to re-enter 770
through the back entrance. During this tour, they encountered (later to be Prime
Minister) Mr. Yitzchak Rabin who had been sent by Prime Minister of Israel Golda
Meir as a representative to bring greetings to the Rebbe at the Farbrengen. One of the
Chassidim drew him into the circle of dancing by putting his hand on his shoulder. A
bright smile lit up the face of the normally stone-faced official.
16 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
|
| :
( ) :
These words were matched to the wellknown tune of Zol Shoin Zein Di Geulah.
This Yud Alef Nissan was a very
unique one, since the Rebbe held a farbrengen for the first time since 5722
(which marked the Rebbes 60th birthday) and continued farbrenging every
year on Yud Alef Nissan until 5747. The
farbrengen was a surprise and took place
between Minchah and Maariv after the
Rebbe returned from the Ohel. The Rebbe said the famous maamer Byom
Ashtei Asar during this farbrengen.
It hadnt crossed anyones mind to
make a niggun for Yud Alef Nissan and it
remained that way until Tishrei of 5732,
when Reb Aharon Mordechai Zilberstrom of Yerushalayim brought his
niggun to the Rebbe.
At that time the farbrengens in
Yerushalayim were attended by many
people from circles outside Lubavitch
and this tune was well-known universally. Reb Aharon Mordechai chose this
tune and matched the words from the
Rebbes kapitel to it. The niggun caught
on and was sung often at farbrengens in
Yerushalayim.
Reb Aharon Mordechai relates:
For the second half of Tishrei, I was
zoche to come to the Rebbe. At the end
of the Simchas Torah farbrengen, I approached the Baal Menagen Reb Hayshke
Gansburg and told him that I have a
niggun from Yerushalayim on the words
from the Rebbes kapitel and asked him
to sing it. He responded that it was too
late in the farbrengen and there would
not be time to sing it.
After Maariv, during Kos Shel Brocha,
I approached Reb Moshe Teleshevsky
with the same request. He began to sing
the niggun and slowly the people standing around began to catch on.
( ) :
This Yud Alef Nissan stands out
among all others. Leading up the Rebbes
70th birthday, Chassidim all over the
world prepared special matanos for the
Rebbe. Reb Moshe Teleshevskys gift was
a niggun Becha Hashem Chasisi.
niggun.
As mentioned, in 5732 three more
niggunim were composed:
KEMOFES HAYISI
:
The famous tune of KeOhel Hanimtach was composed by the Chazzan Reb
Yechiel Halperin in Lubavtich. The
words were matched to it by Hatomim
Zalman Wilschansky.
AVOY BEGVUROS
:
:
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A NEW TEHILLIM
On Pesach, the Rebbe would visit the various public Sedorim that were taking place
in Crown Heights. On the way to visit the Bochurims Seder, the Rebbe was accompanied by Reb Yankel Katz of Chicago. On the way, Reb Yankel asked the Rebbe Why
does it say (in this years kapitel) Yifrach Bayamov Tzadik, it should say Yifrach Beyomeinu Tzadik.
The Rebbe responded, Dont tell this to the Bochurim, they are capable of reprinting a new Tehillim.
Another interesting episode regarding Yud Alef Nissan 5734:
In those years, there lived in Crown Heights the famous Modzhitzer Chossid, Reb
Bentzion Shenker who is widely acclaimed for his strong musical inclination. Reb
Bentzion utilized his musical talent to compose a niggun for the Rebbe on the words
of the posuk Vaani Kirvas Elokim. He discussed the matter with his acquaintance,
Reb Yosef Wineberg, who in turn asked the Rebbe for permission to teach the niggun
to the crowd at a Farbrengen.
Indeed, during the farbrengen of Shavuos, 5734, Reb Bentzion stood up and taught
the niggun to the Chassidim. [To hear a recording of this niggun, listen as it was sung
at the Rebbes farbrengen of 15 Sivan, 5734, following the first sicha.]
:
:
( ) :
In honor of Yud Alef Nissan, Rabbi
Shlomo Cunin matched these words to
an old Viznitzer niggun.
Reb Aron Dov Halperin of Kfar Chabad, who was in Kevutza at the time,
relates the following:
When the niggun Yifrach Beyomov
was sung at the Yud Alef Nissan farbrengen, the Rebbe did not encourage it
at all, not even with a nod of the head. It
was as if the Rebbe was totally ignoring
it. The crowd sung with great fervor and
18 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
:
:
()
The following year, Chassidim found it
difficult to part with the tune of the previous year, so instead of composing a
new one, the words from the pesukim
Mi Li and Kolo Sheairi were added
to the wordless stanza in honor of Yud
: :
()
( ) :
The tune of this niggun is a niggun
Rikud Mnikolayev.
Many niggunim that were composed
for Yud Alef Nissan were recorded for
the Nichoach series. When a list of
niggunim being prepared for volume 8 of
Nichoach was submitted to the Rebbe,
the Rebbe added in ksav yad Velokim
Malki Mikedem (See Ksav Yad)
| 19
:
:
:
()
The niggun Harninu Lelokim, composed by Reb Faitel Levin, was the first
20 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
( ) :
The niggun Vyeidu Ki Ata was com-
|
| :
:
:
( ) :
The niggun Odcha Hashem was
composed by Reb Yosef Yitzchok Lip-
:
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( ) :
There were instances when a niggun
was officially chosen by the Vaad but
IN A LETTER TO REB FEITEL LEVIN THE REBBER PERSONALLY THANKS HIM FOR THE NIGGUN:
and made Kiddush, Reb Moshe Teleshevsky led the crowd in the niggun that had
been chosen by the Vaad (beginning with
the words Tavoi Lefanecha). To the
surprise of Chassidim, the Rebbe immediately began the first sicha (all but ignoring the niggun). The sicha explained
the opening posuk of that years kapitel
Shir Mizmor The only niggun including these words was the one that I had
composed.
Naturally, the niggun that was sung
immediately after the first sicha was Shir
Mizmor and that became the niggun of
the year.
Many wondered how I knew to include
that posuk in the niggun. The truth is
that I remembered that the Rebbe had
spoken about that posuk the year before
and I figured the Rebbe would speak
about it again this year.
When the Rebbe spoke about that posuk and the niggun was accepted I was
elated! I felt that Rebbe had come to my
defense so to speak.
(After the farbrengen, Reb Sholom
took a lot of Mashkeh and danced for
hours, celebrating that the Rebbe had
chosen his niggun. To further appreciate
his joy, it should be pointed out that his
niggun had not been chosen for the previous two years.)
:
:
| :
( ) :
The niggun Shuva is perhaps the
most famous among the Yud Alef Nissan
niggunim. It was composed by Reb Feitel
Levin and the encouragement that the
Rebbe showed to this niggun was quite
NISSAN 5774
| 21
unique. The seder at the Shabbos farbrengen throughout the years was that
immediately after the Rebbe made Kiddush, the niggun of that years kapitel
was sung. In light of the Rebbes sicha on
Chof Ches Nissan 5751, the niggun after
Kiddush was Zol Shoin Zein Di Geulah, and Shuva was sung after the first
sicha.
Reb Feitel Levin relates:
I had completed the final product on
a Thursday night, and by the time Shabbos came, the crowd of Bochurim and
Anash had already listened to my recording and learned the new tune.
When the Rebbe entered the Shul for
Kabbolas Shabbos, everyone sang the
niggun in unison and waited to see how
the Rebbe would react. One can only
imagine the joy that filled my heart when
I saw the look of sincere pleasure evident
on the Rebbes face that first time he
heard the niggun. And the Rebbes enjoyment of the new niggun only seemed
to grow with time, as is by now wellknown.
Of all the many niggunim composed
yearly in honor of Yud Aleph Nissan
some linger in the hearts and minds of
Chassidim until today, having left an
impression as unique and different, out
of the ordinary. Among them, and perhaps above them all, stands the niggun
Shuva, constantly sung in the Rebbes
presence until Chof Zayin Adar, 5752.
Any Chossid who was zoche to be in
the Rebbes presence during that period
will confirm that this niggun was uniquely cherished by the Rebbe (and consequently, by the Bochurim and Anash).
This was unmistakably clear from the
way he vigorously encouraged the singing of this niggun.
In those last few winter months of
5752, the Rebbe gave of himself to the
Chassidim in a manner unparalleled in
previous times. As the weeks passed,
more and more nights were devoted to
distributing dollars to the public, and on
more occasions than ever before, the
22 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
SIGNS ANNOUNCING THE VAAD HANIGGUNIM IN THE YEARS 5747 AND 5748.
:
()
Orech Yomim was composed by Reb
Sholom Bruchstat in honor of the Rebbes 90th birthday and aptly captures the
feeling of Chassidim after Chof Zayin
Adar. He relates how he had heard that
:
:
( ) :
, .
' ,
, .
. ' ,
The niggun Mizmor Shir Leyom
Hashabbos was composed by Reb Sholom Bruchstat. He relates that he chose to
add these words because the Rebbe kocht
very much in this posuk and also connected it to Moshiach.
This niggun was sung before the Rebbe
on Motzoei Shabbos Breishis 5754. It is
the last Yud Alef Nissan niggun that was
sung in front of the Rebbe, when the
Rebbe was with us bgashmiyus, as of
now.
Let us daven that we be zoche to sing
this years Yud Alef Nissan niggun together with the Rebbe with the coming of
Moshiach now!
)
"(
! ,
(48 ,)
NISSAN 5774
| 23
MOVING
- BUT WHERE TO?
By: Rabbi Moshe Feller
Director, Upper Midwest Chabad Lubavitch
24 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
RABBI MOSHE FELLER AND HIS YOUNG CHILD RECEIVE KOS SHEL BROCHA FROM THE REBBE. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
forced to sell their facility which obviously meant that we could purchase it for a
very good price. We hurried to see the
grounds, which consisted of a 23,000
square-foot building on five acres of
land, just ten minutes from our existing
Lubavitch House.
We took Senator Rudy Boschwitz,
Chairman of Friends of Upper Midwest
Merkos Lubavitch, along with us to tour
the facility and we all decided that it was
exactly what we needed!
It was very clear to us that this was the
Rebbes answer to my question I had
asked the day before. It didnt escape
anyone that this perfect building became
available to less than 24 hours after I had
written to the Rebbe.
We sold Lubavitch House, and with
the money from the sale together with a
sizable contribution from a local benefactor we bought the property from Dakota
County Nursing Home without a mortgage.
To put the above story into proper
perspective, I want to cite the Rebbes
answer given immediately after the
Histalkus of the Frierdiker Rebbe to people who asked the Rebbe Where do we
go now for direction? The Rebbe responded to all who asked him this question, You go for direction to the same
one you have been going to until now.
Write your question on a Tzetel and take
it to the Tziyun, and Der Rebbe vet
gifinen a veg vi tzu enferen the Rebbe
will find a way to answer you. We faxed
our question to the Rebbe at the Ohel
and the Rebbe indeed found a way to
answer us.
ADAR II 5774 |
25
Let the
WORLD
!SEE
Broadcasting the
Rebbes Farbrengens
to Millions
'
. . . ..
" '
26 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
NISSAN 5774
| 27
REB MANIS FRIEDMAN AND HIS FATHER REB YAAKOV MOSHE FRIEDMAN SIT INSIDE THE TRANSLATORS BOOTH
DURING A FARBRENGEN BROADCAST. CREDIT: YISROEL GOLDSHMIDT FOR LNS.
RABBI HILLEL DOVID KRINSKY AND RABBI YOSEF BORUCH FRIEDMAN HARD AT WORK ON THE LIVE BROADCAST OF
A LAG BAOMER PARADE, IN A STUDIO IN MANHATTAN.
28 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
?-
Literally translated: Did you dance
alongside?
Unsure what to answer I remained
frozen in my place. The Rebbe repeated
himself again, and then a third time, yet I
still did not understand the Rebbes question. Realizing, that I had to answer
something, I shook my head in a few
directions.
The Rebbe replied:
-
?
- ,
-
.
Surely, you will see to it to free your
time to involve yourself in these matters,
and you should make sure to dance
with a emes, not just to be yotzei.
Upon leaving the Rebbes room, I realized that the Rebbe had just tasked me
with a special shlichus.
GOING LIVE
air the Rebbes farbrengen live over satellite, enabling Chassidim elsewhere in the
world to watch it.
After many months of research and
arduous work, Reb Hillel Dovid succeeded in preparing the first farbrengen
broadcast. Satellite time had been reserved, equipment had been rented, and
a location had been decided upon. The
first satellite broadcast was set for Vov
Tishrei, 5741, and would only be viewed
in one place: Los Angeles, California.
Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky informed the
Rebbe of what had been accomplished
and the tentative broadcast. The Rebbe
was pleased and agreed to the new idea.
Anash and Chassidim of California
packed the Chabad House of Los Angeles
in anticipation for this historic moment.
The lights dimmed and the screen lit up,
and suddenly the Rebbes image appeared on the screen. Hearts brimming
AS FAST AS A SATELLITE!
! ,
As fast as a satellite!
NISSAN 5774
| 29
COUNT ELKAIM AT A YECHIDUS FOR THE MACHINE YISROEL DEVELOPMENT FUND. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
TOWARDS THE END OF A FARBRENGEN WHICH IS BEING BROADCASTED LIVE. PERCHED UP HIGH IS ONE OF THE
CAMERAMEN. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
30 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
Having received much positive feedback in response to the first attempt, Reb
Hillel Dovid resolved to take the project
to the next level and to broadcast the
next farbrengen on cable TV across the
United States. Indeed, beginning with
Yud Tes Kislev, 5741, all of the Rebbes
major weekday farbrengens were broad-
REACHING OVERSEAS
JEWS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS ATTEND THE REBBES FARBRENGENS. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
NISSAN 5774
| 31
THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN BY A REPORTER FROM THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE, DEPICTING THE LIVE BROADCASTS. THREE CAMERAS CAN BE SEEN IN THIS PICTURE.
THE ONE IN THE FAR BACK BELONGED TO WLCC. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
" "
'
May all of the above [mentioned in the
duch] be with Hatzlocha and have pnimiyusdike effect.
The new additions to the regular
broadcast brought in a tremendous
amount of feedback. Hundreds called in
and word about the farbrengen broadcasts began to spread.
Reb Hillel Dovid was excited to be able
to present the Rebbe with a duch of the
names of all those who had called in and
the boost in participation from Yidden
and even non-Jews across America.
Reb Yosef Boruch and Reb Hillel
Dovid prepared a special program
guide which was mailed out to all those
who called in. It included a short biography of the Rebbe, with beautiful images
and photographs, enhancing the practical
32 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
Australia.
LAG BAOMER PARADE
The Rebbes appearance and participation at the childrens Lag Baomer parades throughout the years was a most
unforgettable event. Anticipated as the
highlight of these events were the Rebbes Sichos, when he relayed his special
message to the children present.
In 5744, a recording of short excerpts
of the Rebbes sichos, along with some
scenes of the parade was prepared and
screened on television after the event.
The next time that a parade took place, in
5747 it was decided that the entire event
would be broadcast live to many locations around the globe including Canada,
England, France, Italy, and Australia.
JEM hired a TV anchor named Les
Nirenberg who along with Rabbi Shmuel
Kaplan provided running commentary,
explaining to the viewers the meaning of
what was taking place. In addition, a
video recording of that years parade was
carried over and screened behind the
Iron Curtain, enlivening the spirit of the
Jews stranded there.
THE DUCH REB HILLEL DOVID SENT TO THE REBBE, INFORMING OF THE NEW INITIATIVES FOR THE FARBRENGEN
BROADCAST ON YUD ALEF NISSAN 5742. SEE ARTICLE FOR TRANSCRIPTION OF KSAV YAD.
RABBI MANIS FRIEDMAN WITH MR. JOSEPH PAPP DURING THE INTRODUCTION TO THE FARBRENGEN OF YUD ALEF
NISSAN 5742. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
universal subjects the Rebbe was addressing, relating to all of humanity. Interestingly, one can see that the words the
Rebbe used is very similar to the language used in Michtovim Kloliyim.
THE WORTHIEST CAUSE
| 33
tor to this project, Count Machluf Elkaim and his family of Bal Harbour, Florida.
Having personally attended many farbrengens of the Rebbe as well as the
Yechidus for the supporters of the
Machne Israel Development Fund, and
hearing in person from the Rebbe many
times of the need to disseminate Chassidus throughout the world, Mr. Elkaim
saw in these broadcasts incredible opportunity.
The Rebbe showed special appreciation
for the Elkaim family, often noting the
great privilege that they had in playing a
."
The merit of their disseminating [the
farbrengens] amongst everything else, will
keep them in good stead.
34 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
In connection with the Farbrengen broadcasts
' "
" " '
I will mention once again at the Tziyon
[of the Frierdiker Rebbe] that everything
should be with great Hatzlocha.
" ]" [
[" ]
?[" ]
[The Duch] arrived on Lag Baomer and I mentioned it then at the
Tziyon [of the Frierdiker Rebbe].
[What is] the practical outcome?
Most of the letter was torn off by
the Rebbe, and brough to the Ohel.
On the bottom the Rebbe added the
initial of Reb Hillel Dovid:
[ ]..
NISSAN 5774
| 35
The Journey
Planned in Heaven
Men be prepared. We will resume our
maneuvering shortly. First through Malensk and then we will march towards
central Russia, announced the commander.
To most of the platoon of Russian soldiers based near Lubavitch, the command was just another military order.
The details were of little significance; a
soldier does what he is told. However, for
the small group of Jewish soldiers who
were part of this regiment, the news
struck a devastating blow. Having been
so close to Lubavitch, enabled them to
maintain a reasonable level of Yiddishkeit, obtain kosher food, and go to Shul
once in a while. To add to their anguish,
the transfer would take place around the
time of Pesach. According to their commanding officers plan, during Pesach
they would be in the midst of a march
deep in the Russian mainland. To celebrate Yom Tov under such conditions
was an impossible feat; there were no
Jewish communities for miles around.
WE NEED A BROCHA
36 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
NISSAN 5774
| 37
38 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
tivists for Yiddishkeit in the city. He refused to send his children to the government schools and hired Reb Sholom Marozov to study with them and other children of Anash in his home.
The persecution followed them to Leningrad and many times Reb Yaakov
Yosef was taken for questioning and interrogated for hours as to the activities of
other Chassidim but despite the pressure,
he never breathed a word regarding his
peers.
WORLD WAR II
In 5704 Reb Yaakov Yosef was informed that the Rebbes father, Rav Levi
Yitzchak, was exiled in Chile, Kazakhstan, together with the Rebbes mother,
Rebbetzin Chana, and he immediately
began efforts to obtain their release and
to bring them to Alma Ata. His efforts
met with success and towards the end of
Nissan the Rebbes parents arrived in
Alma Ata.
The first thing Reb Yaakov Yosef did
was secure a place of dwelling for the
Rebbes parents. He also arranged for
doctors to care for the Rebbes father
who was very ill and weak after five years
of bitter exile. The Raskin children inNISSAN 5774
| 39
REB DOVID AND THREE OTHER BOCHURIM POSE FOR A PICTURE BEFORE SETTING OUT ON MERKOS
SHLICHUS, IN THE EARLY 5710S. CREDIT: LUBAVITCH ARCHIVES
40 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
THE REBBE ADDS THE WORDS AFTER REB DOVIDS NAME. CREDIT: VAAD HANOCHOS BLAHAK
A Unique Yechidus
During the year following the histalkus of the Frierdiker Rebbe on Yud Shvat, the Rebbe refused to accept people for yechidus (although the Rebbe gave brachos and
replied to queries of all kinds). There were however a few
exceptions.
On Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, Reb Dovid entered the
Rebbe's room to discuss the various peulos the bochurim
had initiated following the Rebbe's Fabrengen on Beis
Iyar. Upon entering, Reb Dovid said that in accordance
with the Frierdiker Rebbes words during his last yechidus with regard to receiving specific horaos, he was
therefore asking the Rebbe for yechidus. The Rebbe consented and proceeded to answer Reb Dovids various
questions.
In keeping with the Rebbe's suggestion regarding his
second yechidus with the Frierdiker Rebbe, Reb Dovid
transcribed the entire yechidus and gave it in to the Rebbe with the hope that it would be edited.
A few days passed and one night, during seder chassidus, the Rebbe entered the upstairs zal
.
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.
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.
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THE YECHIDUS THAT REB DOVID TRANSCRIBED. THE REBBES COMMENTS CAN
BE SEEN INTERSPERSED THROUGHOUT.
NISSAN 5774
| 41
THE REBBE RESPONDS ON THE TOP OF A DUCH WRITTEN BY REB DOVID RASKIN, THE REST OF WHICH HAD BEEN TORN OFF AND BROUGHT TO THE OHEL OF THE FRIERDIKER
REBBE. THE REBBES RESPONSE BEGINS: . " ' "
individually.
Afterwards the Rebbe Nosi Doreinu ]
instructed the bochurim to transcribe the
entire yechidus and if possible the
Frierdiker Rebbe would edit it. Reb
Dovid wrote up a hanacha and gave it to
the Rebbe. A few days later on Yud
Shvat the Frierdiker Rebbe was nistalek
and the transcript of the yechidus was
never edited.
DOR HASHVII
THE REBBE LOOKS ON AS REB DOVID BLOWS THE SHOFAR DURING CHODESH ELUL.
CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
42 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
mazkir, Reb Moshe Leib Rodshtein explained: These are the Russian bochurim, they go to mikva every morning,
learn and contemplate Chassidus before
davening and then they daven baarichus.
The Frierdiker Rebbe smiled broadly
and said Lernen darf men. Davenen
muz men, uber lernen darf men oich.
The Rebbe concluded the yechidus by
saying that with time we would each have
the opportunity to receive (in yechidus)
specific horaos pertaining to each of us
REB DOVID LEINS FOR THE REBBE. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
REB DOVID ADDRESSES A TZACH CONVENTION, TISHREI 5748. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
REB DOVID POSES ALONGSIDE THE LINEUP OF MIVTZA TANKS A SHORT TIME BEFORE THE PARADE WAS TOO BEGIN.
NISSAN 5774
| 43
THE REBBES
BAAL KOREH
44 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
For consecutive
nights they
farbrenged, We
already know
the Rebbes
address!
Dovid begged
him to listen for
just one minute
but the man
shouted that he
wasnt interested.
This continued on
for a while until
Reb Dovid insisted
that he had something of great importance to give
over from the Rebbe and the man
agreed to hear him
out.
After Reb Dovid
finished his explanation, he noticed the
man soften considerably and after a
few moments of thought he asked
Reb Dovid to return the next day.
Reb Dovid came back the next morning and the store owner put on tefillin.
Reb Dovid was also very active in
carrying out the Rebbes initiative
for chassidim to visit various shuls
and chazer Chassidus. This was despite the fact that the concept of
temimim actively involved in hafatzas
hayahadus and hafatzas hamaayanos was
still a novelty. Until then the bochurim
were used to hearing primarily about
working on themselves and perfecting
their own avodah. Reb Dovid served as a
prime example for his fellow temimim
that not only was it not contradictory; on
the contrary, it enhanced ones personal
avoda.
Reb Dovid would also learn Tanya by
heart and would have his friends test him
on every line he memorized.
During the Rebbe's farbrengen on Simchas Torah 5711, Reb Dovid began to cry
bitterly and some tried to remove him
from the farbrengen. The Rebbe prevented them from doing so, saying, "Mir iz er
nisht mevalbel, m'darf em nit tchepen
He is not disturbing me; there is no need
to touch him."
It is no wonder that in a letter to Reb
Dovids father, dated Chof Aleph Men-
ON A DOCUMENT
WHICH LISTS THE MEMBERS OF
THE BOARD OF AGUDAS CHASSIDIEI CHABAD, THE
REBBE WROTE REB DOVIDS RASKIN NAME AND
ADDED THESE THREE WORDS ABOUT HIM: '
DRIVEN TOWARD ACTION.
REB DOVID FARBRENGS TOGETHER WITH HIS TEACHER REB SHALOM MAROZOV. CREDIT: JEM/THE LIVING ARCHIVE
NISSAN 5774
| 45
46 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
During the farbrengen of Shabbos Mevorchim Iyar, 5715, the Rebbe spoke a
sicha in which he established Tzeirei
Agudas Chabad in New York. In the
following days, Reb Dovid was appointed
to direct the organization.
In this position Reb Dovid accomplished great things in terms of Hafatzas
Hamaayanos and in disseminating the
Rebbes horaos. When the Rebbe gave
new directives during a Farbrengen, Reb
Dovid would call the Shluchim to update
them. He would give over the new
horaos with a special chayus and inspire
them to carry out the new instructions
with a shturem.
At one point Reb Dovid told the Rebbe
that he felt he could no longer serve as
both a member of hanhola and as the
director of Tzach. He therefore wanted
to leave his position in the yeshiva (as
leaving Tzach, which was entirely the
Rebbes work, was totally out of the question for him). The Rebbe told him he
must keep his position in the yeshiva, for
if he would leave, someone else would fill
his position and accomplish less than
him.
Reb Dovid was also highly involved in
the revolutionary Mitzva Tanks. Often,
by the yearly Tzach kinnus in 770, he
would speak about the unbelievable
achievement the Mitzva Tanks represented.
He would frequently say: Today one
can see a Tank on Fifth Avenue, from the
most central locations in the world, inviting people inside to put on tefillin. This is
something that until a short time ago was
completely unimaginable in America.
HANHALAS AGUCH
The Rebbe
himself was the
one who chose
the three
chassidim,
including Reb
Dovid, which
comprised this
Vaad.
VAAD HAMASHPIIM
REB DOVID GIVING HIS PAN TO THE REBBE ON EREV ROSH HASHONA.
REB DOVID DISTRIBUTES MASHKE THE REBBE HAD GIVEN HIM FOR THE TZACH CONVENTION.
| 47
koching at any given time Reb Dovid became totally involved in that thing.
When the Rebbe initiated the Yud Beis
Pesukim in the summer of 5736, Reb
Dovid began to recite them every day
after davening.
Once, during that period, Reb Dovid
visited the home of Reb Gershon Ber
Jacobson editor of the Algemeiner
Even In Pain
In a recent interview with Chassidisher Derher, Reb
Shmuel Butman related the following:
I merited working in his presence for many years
and I cannot recall even once throughout all those
years when Reb Dovid excused himself from a meeting or some other responsibility with an excuse of not
having eaten an entire day or not having slept an
entire night, although that often was the case.
Few are aware of the great hardships and suffering
Reb Dovid endured throughout his lifetime. Despite
all he went through, never did a sigh escape his lips.
Never did one hear him utter words of complaint.
He always maintained a positive and upbeat composure, even during his last years when his illness
overtook him.
One time, Reb Dovid notified me that he would
be going to the hospital for an operation. I understood that he was hinting I should visit him following the surgery. I waited a couple of days and went to
visit Reb Dovid. Upon entering the room I noticed him
learning Rambam while lying in bed. This was a short
while after the Rebbe had initiated the global study of
Rambam on Acharon Shel Pesach 5744. I asked him how
he was feeling and he characteristically answered that he
felt completely fine.
Suddenly a doctor walked in and I got up to leave but
Reb Dovid motioned for me to remain in the room. The
doctor grimly notified Reb Dovid that he possessed a
skin disease that could very well be fatal. Reb Dovid wasnt fazed in the least and immediately procured a pen
and paper which he always had at the ready to be able to
write a tzetel to the Rebbe at any given time, and asked
the doctor to write down the name of the disease. Obviously he only needed it for one thingto send it in to the
Rebbe.
The next Shabbos farbrengen which Reb Dovid attended, the Rebbe said in middle of a sicha:
Standing here by the farbrengen is a Tomim with all
the maalos of a Tomim and on his face there is an expression of pain because soon he is due to have another
48 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
operation.
The Rebbe ended off that he has nothing to worry
about especially because it is now the time of mincha
which is a very special time.
I knew immediately that the Rebbe was referring to
Reb Dovid. I also knew that Reb Dovid hadnt divulged
to anybody the details of his ordeal. I glanced at Reb
Dovid but he didnt show any emotion whatsoever.
In the end, Reb Dovid didnt even bother going to the
hospital for his second scheduled procedure and the entire illness disappeared.
Rabbi Hodakov once remarked that Reb Dovid is the
Iyov of our generation. It must be noted however that
contrary to Iyov who cursed the day he was born, Reb
Dovid never complained. This was due to his unshakeable faith in the Rebbe's brachos, as well as a powerful
sense of connection to the Rebbe that allowed him to
make peace with any situation.
Yehi Zichro Boruch.
The Privilege of
Being a Shliach
In the early years of the nesius, the Rebbe wanted to send a young
couple on shlichus to a distant overseas country. The concerned father
of the kallah wrote to the Rebbe, complaining of the difficulties
involved for his daughter and himself. The Rebbe here responds,
explaining that in addition to having the tremendous zchus of going on
mesiras nefesh to fulll the Rebbes shlichus, they will also enjoy
complete success, physically and spiritually.
This letter was originally written in Lashon Kodesh, and is printed in
Igros Kodesh Chelek Daled, Igros 804.
| 49
I hope that under his leadership we can arrange a rabbi, teacher,
shochet, and various institutions; additionally, with the proper
motivation, your daughter as well can find her place in such a
lifestyle.
(5) In addition to all the above, and most importantly: my
father in law the Rebbe strongly desired to arrange communities
of anash all over the world, with this intention he sent a number of anash to Australia, a few anash to Canada, and spoke
numerous times about South America and South Africa. And we
have seen, and surely you have seen as well, that those which
took upon themselves the Rebbes shlichus, it has protected
them from all troubles and distress, and place them in a beam of
light physically and spiritually, even if this entailed success from
above nature certainly in this situation, where even naturally
there can be a good arrangement, the Rebbes brochos will only
add to the success.
50 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
(6) Your future son in law already agreed to this during the
summer, it wasnt practically relevant at that time however, as I
didnt want him to leave before he finalized the shidduch with
your daughter. Therefore, what is happening here is that you,
your wife and your daughter dont agree with and are opposed
to the proposal which your future son in law has already accepted to be a representative of the Rebbe who continues to lead
Klal Yisroel in general and especially the Chassidim.
(7) A proof for this is the story you bring at the end of your
letter (which only contradicts your point). You write that when
the Rebbe told you that there is no need to look specifically for a
tomim for your older daughter, you told the Rebbe that when
we (you and your wife) think about our daughter marrying
someone who is not a tomim, our life is not livable. Now ask
yourself, the Rebbes brocho was fulfilled to such an extent, that
you found a tomim even for your younger daughter, and now
you want this tomim to tear himself away from the Rebbes
work, from being his shliach to carry out his holy will, and we
should be satisfied with whatever he has done until now?!
(8) With all due respect, and surely you wont take offence
with what I will say; you are certainly aware of the saying of the
Rebbe Rashab, that the temimim are neiros lehoir [illuminating
lights], it is also known the saying of chazal according to the
camel is the load, and if we accomplish a little but not as much
as we could have, this itself is a shortcoming etc.
The parents of the chosson and the parents of the kallah are all
temimim, and as such are included in the saying of the Rebbe
Rashab, that they must now too, continue to illuminate.
I dont know if they have fully fulfilled this duty, but at any
rate the description illuminating includes also their children,
meaning that temimim must illuminate also through their children.
Now imagine what kind of illuminating will be if your
daughter and future son
THE ORIGINAL LETTER WITH THE REBBES HAGOHOS, PRINTED HERE IN PIRSUM
RISHON.
NISSAN 5774
| 51
TWO PRECIOUS
MINUTES
Mayim
Shelanu
52 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
NISSAN 5774
| 53
The Rebbe himself did not go but appointed someone to do this for him. At
first it was Rabbi Simpson.
One time, in the mid 5720s, the Rebbe
asked, is everything set up and ready for
the Matzah baking tomorrow? Those
standing around answered that Rabbi
Simpson was in charge. The Rebbe went
on to say, Rabbi Simpson is a Rov in
Boro Park and will be busy tomorrow.
Who is in charge?
Reb Meir Harlig, who was observing
the operation, told the Rebbe that everything was in order and that they had
already changed the papers and rolling
pins, and had made all necessary preparations. However, the Rebbe wasnt satisfied with his answer and said, A paper
more, a paper less, a rolling pin more, a
rolling pin less. The Ikar is, who will
54 | A CHASSIDISHER DERHER
stand by the oven and take responsibility? From this point on, Rabbi Mentlik
was responsible for the baking.4
The Rebbe showed special interest that
the baking process be supervised and
done properly. In a letter written by Hatomim Avrohom Ber Blesofsky to his
friend, Reb Osher Zeilingold, around
Pesach time, 5722, he recounted an interesting anecdote. He had been one of the
Bochurim baking the Rebbes Matzos
and in middle of the preparations in the
bakery he received a call from Rabbi
In the year 5717, shortly after the massacre in Kfar Chabad, the Rebbe sent
some of his own Matzos to Eretz Yisroel.
As the years went on, Matzos would be
sent to other locations too. To facilitate
their arrival in time for Pesach, they obviously had to be baked in advance. The
baking of these Matzos usually took place
at the onset of Nissan and subsequently,
Mayim Shelonu was drawn the evening
before. This would take place between
Rosh Chodesh and Daled Nissan.
For the most part, the Rebbe did not
take part in the second Mayim Shelonu
as he would usually go to the Ohel on
Yud Gimmel Nissan and would not return until well after Shkiya, at which time
it was already too late (as mentioned).
However, as can be expected, the
Chassidim desperately wanted the Rebbe
to be there so despite everything they
waited.
However, as can be expected, the
Chassidim desperately wanted the Rebbe
to be there so despite everything they
waited.
In 5726, the Rebbe came back from the
Ohel at 6:15, a few minutes after Shkiya.
When the Rebbe went into 770, Rabbi
Chadakov told him that they had been
waiting for the Rebbe before doing
Mayim Shelonu. The Rebbe told him,
They are waiting for Mayim Shelonu;
there is nothing to wait for. It is already
after Shkiya.
The Rebbe washed his hands [from
having gone to the Ohel] and quickly
went outside for Mayim Shelonu. Only
once this was done did the Rebbe change
out of his non-leather Ohel shoes and go
to daven Mincha.
In 5728, they decided to wait for the
Rebbe to return, which turned out to be
well after Shkiya. Stepping out of the car,
the Rebbe noticed the groups of people
mingling nearby. Summing up their intention, the Rebbe asked, Did they draw
mayim Shelonu yet? For me there is
nothing to wait for.
Once in his room, the Rebbe told R
Leibel Groner, Did I not say that they
shouldnt wait?
The entire procedure took approximately two minutes from beginning to
end. The Rebbe did everything precisely
without wasting a moment and, looking
at the pictures, one can see the intense
commitment written on the Rebbes face
as he did the Mitzva.
__________
1. See Shulchan Oruch Siman Tof Nun Hei.
2. Igros Kodesh Friediker Rebbe vol 14
3. Reshimos Hayoman pg. 178
4. As told by Reb Meir Harlig and printed in the
Derher magazine, Nissan 5773. See there for many
other stories in regard to Chalukas Hamatzos.
NISSAN 5774
| 55
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A Chassidisher Derher Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim 770 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213