By COLlive reporter
On Tuesday evening, after seder yeshiva ended at Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim – 770, the mashpia Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi led a meeting with bochurim in preparation of the 90th anniversary of the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin’s wedding, 14 Kislev, 5689 (1928).
Rabbi Zarchi encouraged the bochurim to prepare “gifts” of Torah study, and in related areas, such as mivtzoim and tzedakah in the number of 90. He described the extraordinary vibe felt in 770 throughout the years as chassidim would prepare in anticipation for each milestone. Everyone according to their abilities and some even doing beyond their capacities.
For instance, when he was a bochur in 770 in 5729 (1968), as the 40th anniversary was approaching, chassidim around the world wrote to the Rebbe various resolutions they took upon themselves regarding tzedoko donations and additional Torah study, in amounts connected with the number 40.
“I vividly remember a bochur who was ready to take upon himself to study in amounts of 40. For example, he would study 40 pages of Gemara, 40 maamerim, etc. some of which he even planned to learn by heart. However, he refused to donate any money. Together with a friend we strongly encouraged him to donate $40. We discussed with him everything the Rebbe did for him, the significance of the day etc. One day he came to 770 with a bag full of money which he saved up from his upshernish, Bar Mitzva, summer camps, Chanuka gelt, etc., and said, ‘if 14 Kislev, 40 years, is a real thing, then I’m totally in.'”
At the Farbrengen of 14 Kislev 5739, the 50th anniversary, the Rebbe related that in 5707 (1947), chassidim prepared gifts for the Frierdiker Rebbe in honor of his wedding anniversary, 13 Elul 5657 (1897). The Rebbe, then serving as the director of Kehos, presented to the Frierdiker Rebbe a newly printed book or publication each day of the anniversary of sheva brochos. The Rebbe emphasized the great nachas this caused the Frierdiker Rebbe.
Referring to the Rebbe’s directives in connection with 14 Kislev 5729 (the 40th anniversary) that these “anniversary gifts” include both Torah learning (Niglah and Chassidus) as well as actions, such as tzedaka; Rabbi Zarchi suggested that everyone take upon themselves good resolutions connected with the number 90. One can choose to complete these goals before 14 Kislev or to designate any time during the entire 90th year. In the event the resolution involves committing Torah to memory, the hachlata should be made “bli neder,” as the Rebbe instructed.
Rabbi Zarchi mentioned that today, 14 Cheshvan is the date which, in 5754, was – up until now – the last time that the chasidim physically saw the Rebbe. This emphasizes the crucial importance to cause nachas ruach to the Rebbe and hasten the coming of Moshiach.
Following the meeting, the bochurim learned the sicha from the Farbrengen marking the 40th anniversary, 16 Kislev, 5729, where the Rebbe acknowledges the many well wishes and spiritual and physical gifts sent to him in honor of the occasion.
The meeting was organized by “Vaad Tishim Shana” – a committee facilitating programs for Chabad communities and yeshivas around the world in connection with the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s 90th wedding anniversary. The Vaad operates in conjunction with Tzeirei Agudas Chabad.
VIDEO:
This vaad is really bringing an excitement!
Can’t wait for what else they are planning
In 5752 the last year we had Yud-Daled Kislev before 27 Adar the Rebbe marked 14 Kislev in a very special way, speaking at it at length in the sicha on Shabbos (Vayishlach) and on Sunday instead of the usual Dollars line the Rebbe distributed Drushei Chasunah – the Maamorim said by the Chasunah – to everyone (including me!) by his holy room.
During the sicha the Rebbe also explained the special connection of his Chasunah date with the number 90 which this year we mark 90 years!
How about if 90 bochrim take it upon themselves to stop procrastinating and get engaged so that there will be 90 New Binyanei Adai ad s!
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