Everyone knows of the preciousness of the library of Agudas Chasidei Chabad, housed at Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770. The content of the library – from its hundreds of thousands of volumes to its many historical artifacts and manuscripts – is a treasure of the Jewish people, carefully collected and expanded by the Rabbeim throughout the generations.
A large part of the library is currently being held illegitimately by the Russian government. This collection was originally left in Warsaw during the Frierdiker Rebbe’s escape, then bizarrely looted and protected by the Nazis, and then looted by the Soviet army. Today, this collection is ironically being held in a “Museum of Tolerance” in Moscow.
The saga of this collection of Seforim and manuscripts is widely known. The battle for its speedy return has been raging for many years, and in recent years has seen some tremendous developments.
A new film aired at the 43rd Chabad Telethon last week, illustrating and highlighting the fact that the return of the Seforim is a personal responsibility of every Chossid.
“When Seforim were illegitimately taken from the Chabad-Lubavitch library in the 1980’s, the Rebbe made it clear that the return of the Seforim was the responsibility of every Chossid, throughout all generations,” says Rabbi Shlomo Cunin, member of Agudas Chasidei Chabad and who has been charged by the Rebbe to lead this effort.
“The Rebbe’s words are relevant now more than ever,” he says. “It’s time for people to realize that the return – “Pidyon Shvuyim” – of the Seforim and manuscripts in Russia are not just the responsibility of several activists, but it’s a subject of utmost importance to every single Chossid.”
The Rebbe actually addressed this collection of Seforim held in Russia, on the fifth anniversary of Hei Teves, in 5752:
“Today, there are still a group of Seforim and accompanying Kisvei Yad which are waiting for their “Pidyon Shvuyim” [to be redeemed from captivity] and returned to their rightful owner, the [Frierdiker] Rebbe,” the Rebbe said.
“The completion of the ‘redemption’ of the Seforim (on Hei Teves), will be when it brings to the redemption of the said Seforim [being held in captivity], and all the other Seforim which are awaiting their redemption.”
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I’m so pleased we’re bringing to the forefront all the major projects that need to get done. These seforim, peace between shluchim, 770’s expansion, Moshiachs Palace.
Didan Notzach!!
Didnt the Rebbe say that until the seforim are returned, that Moshiach
cannot come?