8 Precious Chof Av Moments

20 Av is the Yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson (1878-1944), in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was Chief Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (currently Dnepropetrovsk), and was arrested and exiled to Kazakhstan by the Stalinist regime as a result of his work to preserve Jewish life in the Soviet Union.

With this year marking 70 years since the passing of the Rebbe’s father, JEM presents Chof Av with the Rebbe in photo and video.

End of Farbrengen: 20 Av 5736

At the conclusion of the Farbrengen, the Rebbe begins the niggun of “Ki B’simcha Seitzeiu…” and encourages enthusiastically the singing of the Chassidim.

Chassidim at Ess Un Bentch: 20 Av 5737

The hour is late, but the Chassidim are focused on fully internalizing the Rebbe’s Farbrengen.

Throughout the night they can be seen clustered around 770, reviewing the Rebbe’s words. Some stop and grab a bite to eat at the popular Crown Heights eatery “Ess un Bentch” [Yiddish for “eat and say grace”].

Farbrengen with the Rebbe: 20 Av 5739

The Farbregens the Rebbe held on Chof Av carried a distinct atmosphere, its sichos rich with deep explanations in both Nigla and Chassidus – often based on the writings of Horav Levi Yitzchok.

From 5735 and forward campers from Camp Gan Israel would participate in these Farbrengens.

The Rebbe showed great affection to the campers during the Farbrengen, requesting they sing a “camp song” and often dedicated one or two of the Sichos to them.

Campers visit the Rebbe: 20 Av 5742

The Farbregens the Rebbe held on Chof Av carried a distinct atmosphere, its sichos rich with deep explanations in both Nigla and Chassidus – often based on the writings of Horav Levi Yitzchok.

From 5735 and forward campers from Camp Gan Israel would participate in these Farbrengens. The Rebbe showed great affection to the campers during the Farbrengen, requesting they sing a “camp song” and often dedicated one or two of the Sichos to them.

Shachris with the Rebbe: 20 Av 5746

As is customary on a day of a Yahrtzeit, the Rebbe would lead all three prayers, reciting Mishnayos and Kaddish. 770 would be filled with Chassidim, whom were especially attentive to the Rebbe’s nuanced conduct throughout the Davening.

Mincha with the Rebbe: 20 Av 5746

Two tall candles and three shorter ones flanked the lectern the Rebbe used to lead the Davening with on the day of the Yahrzeit. Mincha was especially memorable, as the campers of Camp Gan Israel would often take part in this Tefila. Chanting lively tunes to the words of Ashrei and other parts of Davening, the rousing voices of the children was encouraged by the Rebbe.

Siyum Sefer Torah: 20 Av 5746

A number of initiatives started by the Rebbe had events that would take place on or around the date of Chof Av. In this picture we see a scene from the celebration of the third “Siyum Sefer Torah L’yaldei Yisroel” [completion of the third Torah Scroll written for Jewish Children] held in Yerushalayim, at the Tzemach Tzedek Shul and at the Kosel Hamaravi.

Sicha after Mincha: 20 Av 5749

After the Rebbe stopped holding Farbrengens during the weekdays, the Rebbe would deliver a Sicha after Mincha and/or Maariv on Chof Av. Drawing lessons from the nature of the day, the Rebbe brought to the forefront Horav Levi Yitzchok’sdedication toward Jewish education.

The Rebbe encouraged that resolutions be taken in his memory, to strengthen matters relating to Jewish education.

For more, visit thelivingarchive.org