1. The Dual Celebration of Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimel Tammuz
Most holidays in the Jewish calendar begin their observance from the daytime, and as such, we already omit Tachnun—supplicatory prayers—from Mincha on the eve of these special days. In the case of Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimel Tammuz, both days are celebrated due to the unique circumstances surrounding the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe’s redemption. He was notified of his impending release from exile on the 12th of Tammuz, but due to legal formalities, he only received his official papers on the 13th. Therefore, both dates are marked as days of celebration, and we refrain from saying Tachnun on both. This practice begins already with Mincha leading into Yud-Beis Tammuz.
Tomorrow evening, after Maariv, there will be a farbrengen—a Chassidic gathering—in honor of Yud-Beis Tammuz. Today, we are also marking this occasion by making a siyum, completing a tractate of Gemara, which is especially fitting for such a significant day.
2. Siyum on Mesechta Sanhedrin and Its Relevance
The class is celebrating the completion of Mesechta Sanhedrin, specifically its final chapter. Although we did not learn the entire tractate this year, we spent many weeks studying this last chapter, beginning already in the previous year. Completing even a single chapter is significant, but finishing an entire tractate is especially meaningful for Yud-Beis Tammuz.
This particular chapter is notable because it discusses the laws concerning Mashiach—the Messiah—which aligns with the Rebbe’s encouragement to study these topics in preparation for his coming. Additionally, at the very end of this chapter, there is discussion about the birth of a tzaddik—a righteous individual—and how such an event brings great goodness into the world. This theme connects directly to Yud-Beis Tammuz as it is also the birthday of the Previous Rebbe.
3. The Unique Qualities of Yud-Beis Tammuz: Birthday and Redemption
Yud-Beis Tammuz is not only remembered as the day when the Previous Rebbe was freed from exile but also as his birthday. It was almost like a birthday present that he was released on this day. Being his birthday means that several personal milestones occurred on this date: he began putting on tefillin—phylacteries—at age 11 (an exception to common practice), and his Bar Mitzvah also fell on Yud-Beis Tammuz. Thus, even before his redemption from exile, this day was already one of celebration for him.
The Gemara at the end of Sanhedrin discusses how much goodness comes into the world with the birth of a tzaddik. The Rebbe explains that while most people’s future righteousness is unknown at birth (even though every child brings new blessing), with a true leader—a Nossi Hadoir, or leader of the generation—their destiny is apparent from birth.
4. The Birth and Inheritance of a Nossi Hadoir
The Zohar teaches that every generation has its own Moshe Rabbeinu—a leader who embodies an aspect of Moshe’s soul. When Moshe was born, it was immediately recognized that he was “tov”—good and destined for greatness. Similarly, when a Nossi Hadoir is born, their unique soul and role are evident from birth.
The Previous Rebbe was an only son to his parents, Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah and Rabbi Sholom Dovber (the Rebbe Rashab). Being an only son meant he inherited not just physical possessions but also all spiritual qualities without division or dispute. All the spiritual force and holiness passed directly to him as their sole heir. This transmission occurred on his birthday, Yud-Beis Tammuz, which later became further sanctified by his redemption occurring on that same date.
5. Redemption Not Just for One Individual but for All Jews
The Previous Rebbe emphasized in his writings that his redemption was not merely personal but affected all Jews: “Kol Asher B’Shem Yisroel Yechona”—anyone called by the name ‘Yisroel.’ Even those whose Jewish identity feels like just a nickname or secondary aspect were included in this redemption.
This universal aspect parallels what happened with the Alter Rebbe during Yud-Tes Kislev: while then it primarily affected Chassidim and Misnagdim within Jewish society, in this case it encompassed all Jews because what was at stake was nothing less than Judaism itself—the right to practice religion and believe in Hashem (Ebershter). The Soviet authorities sought to extinguish faith entirely.
6. Trusting Hashem vs Merely Believing in Hashem
The Rebbe often distinguished between belief in Hashem and trust in Hashem (bitachon). He cited examples such as American currency bearing “In God We Trust,” explaining that trust goes beyond belief: it means relying fully on Hashem to provide what we need in a kosher way rather than trying to manipulate outcomes ourselves.
The Gemara illustrates this difference with a thief who prays for success while stealing: he believes in Hashem enough to pray but does not trust Him enough to earn honestly. The Previous Rebbe exemplified true trust by acting fearlessly for Judaism’s sake despite great danger, confident that Hashem would take care of him regardless of outcome.
7. Mesirus Nefesh: Self-Sacrifice Beyond Expectation
The criticism leveled against earlier leaders like the Alter Rebbe concerned whether spreading Chassidus so widely was appropriate at that time; history vindicated them when Chassidus flourished after their redemption. With the Previous Rebbe, however, there were questions whether Halacha permitted such open defiance given potential risks to all Jewry.
The answer lies in his unwavering trust: he did what needed to be done for Judaism’s survival without seeking martyrdom or self-sacrifice (mesirus nefesh) for its own sake but out of responsibility toward Klal Yisroel. He left results up to Hashem alone.
8. Discovering Hidden Strengths Through Challenge
The Previous Rebbe later reflected that during his imprisonment he discovered within himself strengths he hadn’t known existed—a phenomenon echoed by Chazal regarding Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who withstood trials they never imagined they could endure.
A famous story illustrates this resolve: when threatened by an interrogator brandishing a revolver (“toy”) who claimed it had made many people talk, the Previous Rebbe replied that such toys only frighten those with more than one God or who believe only in this world. As someone who believes in one God and more than one world (this world and Olam Haba), he could not be intimidated by such threats.
9. Lessons for Our Own Avodah: Rising Above Limitations
The experience taught even someone as great as the Previous Rebbe about hidden capacities revealed under pressure—a lesson relevant for us all. Often we underestimate our own abilities until circumstances demand more from us than we thought possible.
The Rebbe continued this legacy by urging everyone to expect more from themselves than they might imagine possible: if you commit yourself fully you may surprise yourself with your accomplishments.
10. Practical Takeaways: Growth in Torah and Chassidus
The message of Yud-Beis Tammuz is especially timely for making good resolutions regarding spreading (hafatzas mayanos chutzah) and learning Chassidus more deeply. On birthdays especially, one should add extra Torah study sessions (shiurim) connected with these themes.
This commitment should translate into concrete action, brining us closer to Moshiach Tzidkeinu – the righteous redeemer. As learned at Sanhedrin’s end, all goodness will be revealed with Moshiach’s arrival, Bimherah v’yameinu – speedily in our days.