Tishrei: Trials and Greatness

4 Tishrei: The Beginning of the Battle for the Library (1985)

4 Tishrei 5746 (1985) became a turning point in Chabad history: on this day the legal strategy was formulated for the court case to recover the priceless library of the Lubavitcher Rebbes. This case, known as "Didan Notzach" ("Victory is ours"), was not merely about a collection of books and manuscripts — at stake was the spiritual heritage of seven generations of Chassidic leaders. The library contained unique manuscripts, exceedingly rare books, and documents, each saturated with holiness. The decision to fight for the return of these treasures was an act of faith that sacred items must belong to the entire people of Israel, not to private individuals.

6 Tishrei: Yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chana (1964)

6 Tishrei is the memorial day of Rebbetzin Chana, the Rebbe's mother. Rebbetzin Chana was a woman of incredible spiritual strength who accompanied her husband, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, into exile in Kazakhstan and supported him until his last day. After his passing, she continued to carry the light of Torah, becoming an example of Jewish resilience and devotion. Her life is a story of how faith in G-d helps overcome any trial, whether hunger, cold, or loneliness in distant exile. The Rebbe deeply honored the memory of his mother, and this day became a day of special spiritual awakening in the Chassidic calendar.

13 Tishrei: Yahrzeit of the Rebbe Maharash

The Rebbe Maharash, the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe, departed this world at only 48 years of age, yet in his brief life he left an indelible mark on the history of Chassidism. His famous motto "Lechatchila Ariber" ("From the very start — leap over") became a guiding principle for generations of Chassidim. Ordinary people, encountering an obstacle, first try to go around it from below, and if that fails — they jump over. The Rebbe Maharash taught: don't even try to go around — from the very start, leap over the barrier! This approach expresses boundless faith in the power of G-d and a refusal to submit to the limitations of the material world.

22 Tishrei 1977: The Dance That Conquered Death

Simchat Torah 5738 (1977) became one of the most dramatic moments in Chabad history. During hakafot (dancing with the Torah), the Rebbe suffered a severe heart attack. Doctors were alarmed, Chassidim were in shock. But the Rebbe, overcoming unbearable pain, refused to stop dancing. He completed the hakafot, showing the entire world that the joy of Torah is stronger than any physical suffering. This moment became a symbol of the Rebbe's entire life: absolute devotion to G-d and Torah that knows no compromise, even in the face of death. The Rebbe continued to lead the movement with undiminished energy for many years after this event.