Who would have imagined that 80 years after his passing, in the remote city of Alma-Ata (known today as Almaty), a local printing press would be printing and binding the teachings of R’ Levi Yitzchok Schneerson?
Surely, in their wildest dreams, Rebbetzin Chana, who made the ink from flowers she collected, or R’ Levi Yitzchak whom, with Mesirus Nefesh, poured the deepest Chidushei Torah onto the margins of his Zohar or Tanya, as they lived in extreme poverty in exile, never did they think that this would one day be published in Kazakhstan, and distributed amongst hundreds of Chasidim there.
Yet today, this miracle unfolded.
As Chasidim from the world over gather at the Tziyon-Ohel of R’ Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father, marking his 80th Hilula-Yartzeit, Chayenu has just published a book containing 80 teachings of R’ Levi Yitzchok, in honor of the 80th anniversary of his passing.
The printing and binding took place in Alma-ata, a few miles from where the Schneersons lived and the Ohel where R’ Levi Yitzchok is interred.
A sample (excerpt) of this book can be downloaded here (Chayenu.org/LLY) and printed for Shabbos, where portions can be learned, fulfilling the Rebbe’s heartfelt request to study his father’s teachings on his Yartzeit.
This 86-page excerpt is a selection from the 430 page book, which includes a teaching on each Parsha in Torah, each Yomtov and some Chasidishe Yomei dPagra.
An exciting addition is: a “Pirsum Rishon” first-time-ever publishing of a photo of R’ Levi Yitzchok’s Tanya with his commentary in the margins, as well as another manuscript – both of which are elucidated in the book. Courtesy of the Library of Agudas Chasidei Chabad.
With the permission of Kehot, actual quotes of R’ Levi Yitzchok original text are included at the end of each English essay, with vowels, so that the reader can then understand it in his own words, which are often very cryptic, given the limited space he had on his page margins.
This initiative by Chayenu is a culmination of the last four years, where a weekly column features each week, with a lesson related to the Parsha by R’ Levi Yitzchok.
Currently, it is authored by Rabbi Alexander Heppenheimer, who works closely with Rabbi Dovid Dubov, author of Yalkut Levi Yitzchok AL HaTorah, the flagship commentary on Likkutei Levi Yitzchok.
The weekly column in Chayenu is made possible by a generous grant from Sholom & Esther Laine. The book is made possible by Ezzy Rappaport of Surfside, Florida in memory of his parents ע”ה and for a blessing for his family.
To have a part in this monumental occasion and have a “share” in the publication of this book, visit Chayenu.org/ChofAv
Guests who flew to Almaty for Shabbos will be treated to a “Preliminary Edition” copy of the book.
In Crown Heights, a limited number of copies will be available (from a duplicate print run in NY), for community organization and communal spaces – such as Shuls, Yeshivas Kollels and Bungalow Colonies. To receive a complimentary copy tomorrow, Erev Shabbos Chof Av, to bring to your local Shul / Community for Shabbos, come to the 770 Courtyard (adjacent to the Library, to the right of 770) between 9am – 11am Friday. First come, first served.
