ב' ניסן: צוואות אחרונות של הרבי הרש"ב (תר"פ/1920)

Final Days in Rostov-on-Don

On 2 Nissan 5680 (1920), in Rostov-on-Don, the earthly journey of the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe — Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn, known as the Rebbe Rashab — came to an end. The final years of his life were spent under harsh conditions: the Civil War, devastation, and persecution made normal life impossible. Nevertheless, the Rebbe Rashab continued to lead the Chassidic movement, receive visitors, and teach students.

"I Go to Heaven — the Manuscripts I Leave to You"

Shortly before his passing, the Rebbe Rashab turned to his only son, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak (the future Sixth Rebbe), with words that became historic: "I go to heaven, and the manuscripts I leave to you." These manuscripts — thousands of pages of Chassidic maamarim (discourses), letters, and notes — represented the spiritual legacy not only of the Rebbe Rashab but of previous generations of Rebbes. The transfer of the manuscripts was not merely a bequest of property — it was an act of transmitting spiritual authority and responsibility for continuing the work of Chabad.

The Final Moments

In the last hours of the Rebbe Rashab's life, Chassidim gathered around his bedside, reciting Tehillim (Psalms) and praying for his recovery. The Rebbe Rashab uttered several phrases addressed to God, expressing his readiness to stand before the Heavenly Court. His passing was an enormous loss for the entire Chassidic world, but the legacy he transmitted — his teachings, manuscripts, and the network of Tomchei Temimim yeshivas — continued to live and flourish under the leadership of his son.