I had the good fortune to stand at the farbrengens, the gatherings with the Rebbe, for many, many years. Unfortunately, we did not value it enough or appreciate it enough. Many times, certain ideas and things the Rebbe said at the time stay with you. I wish I would remember more, but here and there you recall certain things that you heard directly from the Rebbe at a farbrengen. That experience itself is very special. It is not the same as watching a video—being there live and hearing the Rebbe speak carries a completely different dimension.
It is important to remember that the videos we have today are only from weekday occasions. Most of the Rebbe’s gatherings took place on Shabbos and Yom Tov, when no recording equipment could be used. Those sichos were later reconstructed from memory, as people gathered and carefully put together the Rebbe’s words.
I would like to share a thought that I personally heard from the Rebbe. Today is already Rosh Chodesh Nissan. In the Haggadah, right at the beginning, we say the passage “Yachol Merosh Chodesh.” The Rebbe discusses whether this passage is an integral part of the Haggadah or more of an inserted explanation.
The simple meaning is that one might have thought that the mitzvah of relating the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim should begin from Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Why would we think that? Because Moshe Rabbeinu began informing the Jewish people about the upcoming redemption on Rosh Chodesh. Therefore, one might assume that we should also begin our recounting from that time.
However, the Haggadah concludes that since the mitzvah must be performed at a time when Matzah and Maror are present, it must take place on the night of the 15th, the night of the Seder, and not on Rosh Chodesh.
That is the straightforward explanation. But the Rebbe offered a deeper interpretation, based on a concept found in Chassidus.
The Torah states “Kedoshim Tihyu”—you shall be holy—“Ki Kadosh Ani,” because I am holy. The Medrash explains that one might think, “Yachol Kamoni,” that a person could reach the same level of holiness as Hashem. Therefore, the Torah clarifies, “Ki Kadosh Ani”—My holiness is beyond yours.
However, there is a deeper interpretation: “Yachol Kamoni” is not a question, but a statement—you can be like Me. How is that possible? Because “Ki Kadosh Ani”—the holiness of Hashem is revealed and elevated through the holiness of a Yid. When a Yid sanctifies himself, he brings about a revelation of Hashem’s holiness.
Based on this, the Rebbe explained the phrase “Yachol Merosh Chodesh” in a similar way—not as a question, but as a statement. “Yachol Merosh Chodesh”—you can begin from Rosh Chodesh. Just as the Eibeshter began the process on Rosh Chodesh, we too can begin the avodah and the spirit of the Geulah from that point.
In fact, we see this reflected in practice. The entire month of Nissan is permeated with a spirit of celebration. We do not say Tachanun throughout the month, and beginning from Rosh Chodesh we read the Nesi’im. It becomes a full month of uplift and redemption.
May the Eibeshter help that we truly live with this spirit of Zman Cheiruseinu—freedom from all worries and all difficulties—and that we experience a complete sense of freedom, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, with only happiness and goodness.