24 Teves marks the passing of R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi in 1812.
The founder of Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), passed away on the eve of the 24th of Tevet, 5573, at approximately 10:30 pm, shortly after reciting the Havdalah prayer marking the end of the Shabbat.
The Rebbe was in the village of Peyena, fleeing Napoleon’s armies, which had swept through the Rebbe’s hometown of Liadi three months earlier in their advance towards Moscow. He was in his 68th year at the time of his passing, and was succeeded by his son, Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch.
The 24 Teves farbrengen held on Dec. 31, 1980 marked the occasion of the Alter Rebbe’s yom hilulah.
At that farbrengen, the Rebbe speaks about how the Alter Rebbe’s influence is still felt today and also asks the question which is more important: disseminating basic Judaism or teaching chasidus?
The new song “We Want Moshiach Now” is sung twice at the farbrengen with particular exuberance from the children in attendance.
JEM present a playlist of videos connected to the Alter Rebbe and his Yahrtzeit.