Much excitement is felt the world over amongst Anash, Tmimim, Shluchim and all Yidden, approaching the fortieth anniversary of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, celebrating the Rebbe’s miraculous recovery and continued leadership of Klal Yisroel, from 5738 until 5778 for many years to come.
Amongst the many activities being undertaken – under the auspices of the Mitzva Tank Office of Lubavitch Youth Organization, a special Mitzva Tank Parade with 40 Tanks will parade through New York City calling on Jews to add in Mitzva observance in honor of this milestone celebration.
To mark the occasion, the Vaad Hatmimim has prepared a beautiful Kovetz publication in Hebrew and English.
The Kovetz includes the full story of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, interviews with Chasidim sharing their memories from then, interviews with Dr. Ira Weiss, the chief cardiologist who oversaw the Rebbe’s miraculous recovery, and Dr. Larry Resnick, as well as newly published letters written in 5738 about the situation in 770.
The social media sphere has not been left out. Jewish Educational Media has created a 4 part mini video series, as part of their Daily WhatsApp Video broadcast.
A special WhatsApp group was created comprised of close to 100 people throughout the world who were present during the events of Shmini Atzeres and Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5738 who have come together to share their special memories and feelings from that period. All their experiences related there are in the process of being curated and edited to be published.
An archive with many Sichos, Audio/Video, and publications connected with Rosh Chodesh Kislev was also created.
A central element to the celebration are the Farbrengens and Seudos Hodoah, gathering offering our thanks to Hashem for the Rebbe’s recovery, which are held in every Chabad community throughout the world.
In New York following the International Kinus Hashluchim Banquet, thousands will attend the central Farbengens held at the Ohel and at 770.
Many details have been culled from the accounts of Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, the Rebbe’s doctor, Dr. Ira Weiss, and Rabbi Yossi Groner, Charlotte, NC, which were related at the panel “Der Rebbe Iz Gezunt!” held by Vaad Hatmimim last Tishrei, and can be viewed below.
In Eretz Yisroel, a panel is being held on Motzei Shabbos, in which chassidim who were present by Shmini Atzeres and Rosh Chodesh Kislev will recount the events they merited to experience.
The way a Chasid celebrates every Yomtov is by connecting with the Rebbe, accomplished through learning his Torah, fulfilling his directives and Mivtzoim, and writing a Pan to the Rebbe committing ourselves to his mission and asking for his Bracha in this special eis ratzon for everything one needs physically and spiritually, and those who are able travel to the Rebbe’s Ohel to personally be together with the Rebbe on this extraordinary time.
VIDEO:
Panel on Rosh Chodesh Kislev from Tishrei 5777: