Yechidus Was ‘Last Will & Testament’

Rabbi Schalom Ber Schapiro is sharing material from the Mindel Archives in connection with Yud Shevat 5710 the Yom Hilulao of the Frierdiker Rebbe – so we may learn from it in preparation for Gimmel Tammuz.

1. LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT – 1950

An interesting letter written by the Rebbe in 1950 to a person close to the Frierdiker Rebbe, who merited to have a Yechidus with the Frierdiker Rebbe, together with the Ramash (as the Rebbe was known before his nesius), just before Yud Shevat, 5710.

There are many notations of the Rebbe on this important letter, in which the Rebbe refers to this yechidus as a “last will and testament” of the Frierdiker Rebbe to both of them, in which the Frierdiker Rebbe gives vital directives that they both need to take to heart and implement promptly.

2. A LETTER TO ANASH AND TALMIDEI HATEMIMIM – Rosh Chodesh Adar 5710 – 1950

A letter signed by both sons-in-law of the Frierdiker Rebbe a couple of weeks after the histalkus – encouraging everyone during these next 12 months to increase in Torah learning and the doing of mitzvos, develop proper chinuch and good middos etc. This will surely bring pleasure to the Frierdiker Rebbe’s holy neshama and will also be channels for us to receive blessings. They are requesting to be notified of their undertakings and these will be mentioned at the tziyun (holy resting place).

3. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OHEL – 5 Av, 5710 -1950

This letter, to supporters of the Frierdiker Rebbe, describes the project of building an Ohel structure on the resting place of Rebbe. It explains that the resting place of a tzaddik is a holy place, just like the Ma’aras Hamachpela/Cave of the Patriarchs – where the prayers are more accepted than any other place, and encourages all to take part in its building.

4. A LETTER FROM A COMMITTEE OF CHASSIDIM TO ANASH – 4 Adar 5710

This letter expresses profound sorrow and pain on the loss of “our crown and glory” and invites all to a gathering of unity and Achdus in 770, on the 10th of Adar. The letter ends off with a Bracha that Hashem should give us the strength as Chassdim to continue our Strong Hiskashrus (Connection) to the Rebbe, and may we merit the coming of Moshiach, when we will be reunited with our Rebbe.