י"ב–י"ג תמוז: חג הגאולה ויום ההולדת

Birth and Liberation on the Same Day

On 12 Tammuz 5640 (1880), Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn — the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe — was born. Exactly 47 years later, on 12 Tammuz 5687 (1927), on his birthday, he was liberated from exile in Kostroma, where he had been sent by the Soviet authorities for organizing underground Jewish education. The coincidence of these dates became a symbol of the triumph of faith over tyranny.

Registration at the GPU and Final Liberation

The liberation process took two days. On 12 Tammuz, the Rebbe was declared free, but he still had to appear at the GPU (secret police) office for registration. The official documents of release were issued only on 13 Tammuz. This is why the Festival of Liberation ("Chag HaGeulah") is celebrated over two days — 12 and 13 Tammuz.

Not Personal, but Universal Liberation

The Rebbe Rayatz himself repeatedly emphasized that his liberation was not a personal matter. "It was not me alone whom God liberated on 12 Tammuz," he wrote, "but also all who cherish the Torah and the fulfillment of its commandments, and even all who merely bear the name of Jew." The Rebbe's liberation was not the victory of one person but of the entire Jewish people — the victory of spirit over physical violence, of faith over godlessness. This holiday is celebrated by Chassidim throughout the world through farbrengens (Chassidic gatherings), intensified Torah study, and acts of goodness and kindness.