Why Are “Rashbi” Arrows Pointing Through Crown Heights?

In recent days, eye-catching placards have begun appearing on street poles in Crown Heights. Shaped as an arrow and colored in vibrant blue, they bear one simple word in large Hebrew letters: רשב״י — Rashbi.

Beneath the bold lettering, the sign carries a quote from the Rebbe:

“I suggest everyone visit the Ohel on Lag B’omer, where Rashbi is also present.” —The Rebbe, Lag B’Omer 1950

These signs are one part of a broader campaign to bring awareness to the Rebbe’s teachings about the significance of visiting the Ohel on Lag B’omer, and the powerful effect such a visit can have.

The Rebbe himself, in a sicha from the eve of Lag B’omer 5710/1950, explained why specifically Lag B’omer is an auspicious time to visit the Ohel:

In the tefillos recited when visiting the Ohel, as published in Maaneh Lashon, we ask that our prayers be accepted “in the merit of the Tannaim and Amoraim… and in the merit of the tzaddikim who are buried here…”. The Rebbe explained that this implies that at the resting place of a tzaddik, other tzaddikim, Tannaim, and Amoraim are also present — especially, with regard to Lag B’omer, Rashbi.

Accordingly, the Rebbe said, “I would suggest that tomorrow, on the day of Lag B’omer, the yom hahilula of Rashbi… everyone should visit the Ohel, where Rashbi, too, is present.”

Indeed, the Rebbe himself would visit the Ohel every year on Lag B’omer.

The power of such a visit is explained in a letter from the Rebbe (published in Igros Kodesh Vol. 4, p 304). He writes that “reading a pan at the Ohel on Rashbi’s day of celebration has the ability to break through all barriers and to bestow upon each individual everything they need: children, health, and livelihood, in abundance.” The Rebbe concludes the letter: “I hope you will be able to share good news with me regarding the matters mentioned in your pan [of Lag B’omer].”

A similar theme is found in the Hayom Yom of Lag B’omer, where it is written: “Many miracles occurred on Lag B’omer, most of which were regarding children. People waited all year long for Lag B’omer.”

The new awareness campaign seeks to make these teachings accessible and visible in a direct, memorable way.

In addition to the outdoor signs, the campaign also produced a printed flyer featuring the Rebbe’s explanation in both Hebrew and English, along with practical information to visit the Ohel or send a pan. The flyer was distributed to all schools and Shuls throughout Crown Heights. Social media graphics were also created to help spread the message further.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THE SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGES TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

BUSES TO THE OHEL — SCHEDULE:
Multiple buses will be shuttling the eager crowds to and from 770 and the Ohel, for 30-hours, beginning Monday night, throughout Tuesday, Lag B’omer, at a subsidized price of $10 round-trip (or one-way), to allow for as many people as possible to visit the Rebbe’s Ohel. Men, women, and children are invited without registration.

MONDAY NIGHT — EVERY HOUR:

• From 770: Every hour from 5 PM to 4 AM.
• From Ohel: Every hour from 6 PM to 5 AM.

 TUESDAY — EVERY HALF-HOUR:

• From 770: Every half hour from 5 AM to 10 PM.
• From Ohel: Every half hour from 6 AM to 11 PM.

Those unable to visit in person can send a pan to be placed at the Ohel by visting OhelChabad.org, emailing [email protected], or call/WhatsApp 718-723-4545.

May all our tefilos be answered, and may we merit the geulah shleimah speedily in our days. 

Campaign by: Menachem MD Benchemon

לעילוי נשמת ר’ נחמיה יו”ט ב”ר מרדכי קעסלער ע”ה

נלב”ע י”ט אייר תשנ”ה

 Buses organized by: BusToOhel.com

Media sponsor: COLLIVE