1. Significance of the 18th of Elul
The 18th day of Elul, known as Chai Elul—the “life” of Elul, is a significant date in Chabad and broader Chassidic tradition. It marks the birthday of both the Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement, and the Alter Rebbe, Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad Chassidus. The Baal Shem Tov was born in the year Tanach—תנ"ח, 5458 (August 25th, 1698 on the Gregorian calendar), and the Alter Rebbe in Takah—תק"ה, 5505 (September 15th, 1745 Gregorian; some sources give September 4th, which is the same day on the Julian calendar then in use in Eastern Europe). Once these facts became public knowledge, especially within Chabad communities, the day took on special significance.2. Customs and Practices on Chai Elul
In many places, particularly in Chabad synagogues, Chai Elul is observed as a day for gathering together (fabrengen). These gatherings focus on sharing stories of tzaddikim—righteous individuals, strengthening one another in the ways of Chassidus, and especially emphasizing ahavas Yisrael—love for one’s fellow Jew. It is also customary to use this opportunity to make good resolutions: setting aside time for Torah study in both its revealed and esoteric aspects.3. The Twelve Days Leading to Rosh Hashanah
Chai Elul falls exactly twelve days before Rosh Hashanah. These twelve days are seen as a time for reflection on the past year. Each day corresponds to one month from the previous year, providing an opportunity to review and rectify each month individually. Even in a leap year with two months of Adar (Adar Rishon and Adar Sheini), these are combined so that all twelve months are accounted for within these twelve days.4. The Day of the Week and Spiritual Luminaries
There is discussion about whether both birthdays occurred on a Wednesday. The Torah describes Wednesday as the day when “the luminaries were placed in the sky,” referring to both physical and spiritual luminaries. In this context, both the Baal Shem Tov and Alter Rebbe are considered spiritual luminaries who illuminated the path in serving Hashem. While it appears that at least one birthday (the Alter Rebbe’s) was indeed on a Wednesday, there is some uncertainty regarding the Baal Shem Tov.5. Saying Tachnun on Chai Elul
A question arises whether Tachnun—the penitential prayer—should be omitted on Chai Elul. The Rebbe was asked about this and responded that such matters depend on personal feeling; if one truly feels it is a special day, one may omit Tachnun. However, he cautioned against making this a casual or mistaken feeling just to avoid saying it. Historically, the Rebbe Rashab instructed his son (the previous Rebbe) not to say Tachnun privately on this day, but this was not established as a public directive. In practice, in the Rebbe’s own minyan, unless there was a chassan present (which would anyway warrant omission), they would say Tachnun. Thus, no official ruling was made for all communities.6. Greeting Customs: Gutyontov or Good Shabbos?
There is also discussion regarding greeting others with “Gutyontov—a good Yom Tov” on Chai Elul. The Rebbe Rashab and previous Rebbe would sometimes use this greeting on this day. The Rebbe himself occasionally concluded talks about Chai Elul with “Gutyontov,” noting that his father-in-law sometimes did so as well. There is an anecdote where someone greeted the previous Rebbe with “Good Shabbos” during a Shabbos fabrengen on Chai Elul, and he replied jokingly with “Gutyontov.” The idea expressed is that since all blessings flow from Shabbos and Yom Tov represents joy, we hope that joy extends throughout the year.7. Uncertainty Regarding Fixed Customs
Despite these practices, it does not appear that greeting with “Gutyontov” or omitting Tachnun has become an established universal custom for all communities or even consistently within Chabad itself. Sometimes these greetings are used; sometimes not—it remains somewhat unique or situational rather than fully institutionalized.8. Related Questions About Greetings on Other Days
A tangential question arose regarding how to greet others when Yom Kippur falls on Shabbos—whether one should say “Good Shabbos” or “Gutyontov”. There isn’t much greeting done on Yom Kippur itself due to its solemnity; perhaps one would simply say “Good Shabbos.” When Yom Kippur does not fall on Shabbos and people leave shul at its conclusion, it’s unclear what greeting should be used—this remains an open question without a definitive answer.