1. Self-Sacrifice Without Expecting Miracles
It is brought down by Rashi and our sages in Chumash that when a person acts with mesirus nefesh—self-sacrifice—for Hashem, he should not do so with the expectation that Hashem will perform a miracle to save him. The act should be done purely for the sake of Hashem, without any calculations or reliance on supernatural intervention. This principle was embodied by the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose life was marked by total devotion to Hashem under extremely difficult circumstances.
The Rebbe’s efforts to preserve Yiddishkeit—Jewish life and observance—involved great personal risk. He worked tirelessly to ensure that children could continue learning Torah, that shuls and mikvaos could function, and that Jewish life could persist despite oppressive conditions. His dedication was absolute, even at the potential cost of his own life.
2. The Arrest and Redemption of the Previous Rebbe
The reason we do not say Tachnun—supplicatory prayers—on Yud-Beis Tammuz is because it marks the redemption of the previous Rebbe from imprisonment by the Bolshevik government. His “crime” was his relentless work to sustain Jewish observance, which was seen as subversive by the authorities. Initially sentenced to death, his penalty was commuted on Gimel Tammuz to exile in Siberia.
On Yud-Beis Tammuz, he was informed of his release, but due to a non-Jewish holiday when government offices were closed, he only received his official papers on Yud-Gimel Tammuz. As a result, both days are celebrated as yomim tovim—special holidays—commemorating not only his personal salvation but also a miracle for all of Klau Yisroel, since so many depended on his leadership at that time.
3. Two-Day Celebration and Its Significance
The celebration of both Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimel Tammuz is observed by omitting Tachnun on both days. These days are recognized as times of great miracles performed by Hashem for the previous Rebbe and, through him, for all Jews. The impact of these events extended far beyond one individual; they were salvations for the entire Jewish people during a period when their spiritual survival hung in the balance.
This two-day celebration reflects how deeply these miracles are woven into our collective memory and gratitude towards Hashem’s kindnesses.
4. Rabbi Akiva’s Approach to Mesirus Nefesh
The Rebbe discusses in various ma’amarim—Chassidic discourses—a distinction between different approaches to mesirus nefesh. He contrasts Rabbi Akiva’s experience with that of other tzaddikim like Avraham Avinu and the previous Rebbe himself. Rabbi Akiva, one of the Ten Martyrs (Asara Harugei Malchus), endured imprisonment due to his Torah study and activism.
A student once asked Rabbi Akiva how far his dedication would go given all his suffering. Rabbi Akiva replied that every day he recited Shema with its declaration: “B’chol levavcha u’v’chol nafshecha—with all your heart and soul.” He explained he had always yearned for an opportunity to truly fulfill this level of devotion, even if it meant giving up his life for Hashem. Now that such an opportunity had arrived, he felt joy at being able to demonstrate this love for Hashem in practice.
5. The Unique Focus of Chabad Mesirus Nefesh
The Rebbe explains there is a difference between seeking out mesirus nefesh as an end in itself versus focusing on doing the job that needs to be done for Hashem’s sake. In Rabbi Akiva’s case, there was an element of longing for self-sacrifice as a spiritual achievement. In contrast, Avraham Avinu and especially the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe were not seeking martyrdom or spiritual elevation through sacrifice itself.
Their focus was on fulfilling their mission: preserving Yiddishkeit under threat. If mesirus nefesh became necessary in order to accomplish this task, they were prepared for it—but it was never about seeking sacrifice for its own sake. Their service was characterized by pure devotion: acting solely for Hashem without any thought of personal merit or success against their enemies.
6. Lessons from These Miracles and Hope for Geula
The miracles experienced by the previous Rebbe are celebrated as expressions of Hashem’s great kindnesses toward us all. These events inspire us not only to remember past salvations but also to hope for their ultimate fulfillment: that through all these acts of self-sacrifice and devotion by our leaders (Rebbeim), we will soon merit the complete and true redemption—Geula Amitis Vashleina.
This hope encourages us to continue our own efforts with sincerity and dedication, trusting that just as Hashem performed miracles then, so too will He bring about our final redemption speedily in our days.