1. Celebrating Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel Tammuz
Today’s class is a bit different, as we mark the special days of Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel Tammuz, celebrating the liberation of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. On these two days, we omit Tachnun—supplicatory prayers—as both are considered days of joy and miracle. Even though it is technically the 30th of Tammuz tonight, we continue to reflect on these significant events. These days commemorate not only the Rebbe’s personal redemption but also the broader miracle for all of Am Yisrael.
We also take a moment to wish Miriam a happy birthday, blessing her with a year filled with success, nachas—pride and joy—and all manner of blessings. Additionally, congratulations to Yelena for making her kitchen kosher today—a true milestone in bringing Kedusha—holiness—into her home. This too is a celebration of Jewish continuity and commitment.
I would also like to dedicate this class to the memory of Mrs. Cable’s father, who passed away this morning. I had the privilege to visit him in hospice yesterday and recite vidui—the confessional prayer—and Shema with him before his passing. May his memory be a blessing.
2. The Previous Rebbe’s Challenge Under Soviet Rule
The main focus today is on the extraordinary challenges faced by the previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, after he became Rebbe in 1920 (Toph Rish Pei). The Russian Revolution had just taken place, and by 1922 the new regime began its campaign against religion, especially targeting Jewish education and observance.
In response, the previous Rebbe convened a meeting with ten others and resolved that they would not allow Judaism to be eradicated. They committed themselves to an underground movement—establishing clandestine yeshivas, shuls, mikvahs—doing whatever was possible to keep Yiddishkeit alive despite severe limitations and dangers.
This determination was remarkable given that most religious leaders at the time felt powerless against such an oppressive regime. Many believed there was nothing that could be done; even great rabbis and tzaddikim—righteous individuals—felt forced to give up under these circumstances.
3. The Power of Determination: Lessons from Chabad Leadership
The previous Rebbe’s approach was seen as almost irrational—how could a handful of elderly chassidim stand up against the might of Soviet Russia? Yet they made a vow not to surrender their faith or their mission “until the last drop of blood.” Their efforts planted embers that would later spark a renaissance of Jewish life across Russia and beyond.
This same spirit continued with our Rebbe when he encountered apathy in America. Many who arrived in America from Europe felt there was little hope for Jewish observance in such an indifferent environment. Yet Chabad sent out shluchim—emissaries—all over the world, refusing to give up on any Jew or community no matter how lost they seemed.
The message is clear: “A Jew never raises their hands in surrender.” The stubbornness and vision of Chabad leadership have led to unimaginable success—the revival of Jewish life even after decades of oppression.
4. The Inner Spark: Jewish Identity Amidst Hardship
A participant added that not only did those few chassidim keep the flame alive, but every Jew carried an ember within them—even if they were far from observance or knowledge. Stories were shared about Jews raised under Soviet rule who had never heard about concepts like neshamah—soul—yet still felt a deep nostalgia or connection for something they never consciously knew.
This inner spark was preserved by the mysterious self-sacrifice (mesirus nefesh) shown by leaders like the previous Rebbe. Even when other great rabbis gave up hope due to impossible circumstances or halachic limitations (since one is not required by Shulchan Aruch—the Code of Jewish Law—to give up one’s life except for three cardinal sins), the previous Rebbe refused to surrender his mission or identity.
5. Personal Responsibility: Applying These Lessons Today
The Rebbe always emphasized that we must draw practical lessons from these stories for our own lives—not just admire them from afar. In one letter discussed today, the Rebbe addresses someone whose brother had become distant from Judaism after immigrating to America while he himself remained devoted after surviving Europe and Paris.
The Rebbe instructs him that just as it is a mitzvah for men to put on tefillin daily, so too it is an obligation to care about another’s Jewish education—especially within one’s own family. He encourages persistent yet loving outreach: speak gently about Hashem, Torah, and what it means to be a Jew or chossid; do not give up even if results are slow in coming.
This responsibility extends beyond family—it is about never giving up hope on any Jew or community just as Chabad leadership never gave up on world Jewry.
6. Stories from Prison: The Previous Rebbe’s Defiance
The class then turned to stories recounted by both the previous Rebbe himself and our Rebbe regarding his imprisonment by Soviet authorities (KGB/Geppu/NKVD). In prison, all autonomy is stripped away—the goal being total submission—but the previous Rebbe resolved not only never to compromise on matters of Yiddishkeit but also never to let them affect his inner resolve at all.
He endured severe punishments—including solitary confinement in horrific conditions filled with mud and vermin—for refusing orders such as standing when commanded by guards (even when threatened or beaten). He insisted on answering only in Yiddish rather than Russian as another form of resistance.
The guards included Jews like Lulav (a descendant of chassidim) who tried persuading him for his own good but ultimately participated in beatings when he refused compliance. Even after repeated violence—a “chazakah” (three times)—the previous Rebbe remained steadfast: “We’ll see who teaches whom a lesson,” he replied defiantly when threatened further.
7. Miraculous Survival and Continued Activism in Exile
The authorities eventually commuted his original death sentence (which he saw erased from his file) first to ten years’ hard labor then finally three years’ exile in Kastrama—a miraculous turnabout attributed only to Divine intervention and relentless advocacy abroad.
The previous Rebbe insisted on traveling first-class (“mezhdunarodno”) even into exile—asserting dignity even under duress—and refused outright to travel on Shabbos despite being told this would delay his release from prison further. He preferred remaining imprisoned until Sunday rather than violate Shabbos—a powerful demonstration of unwavering commitment even under extreme pressure.
Upon arrival in Kastrama (and even before), he immediately resumed activities forbidden by Soviet law: organizing cheder (Jewish school), fixing mikvahs—the very acts for which he had been arrested! His devotion mirrored Yaakov Avinu’s priorities upon settling somewhere new: ensuring Torah learning and ritual purity came first no matter what risks were involved.
8. Our Role Today: Continuing Their Legacy With Gratitude
The ultimate lesson for us is that while we may not possess such superhuman strength or faith as these leaders did, once they have blazed a trail it becomes easier for us—and we are obligated not to give up when facing obstacles spreading Torah or mitzvos today.
If one makes a strong decision not be deterred by challenges—whether internal doubts or external opposition—Hashem will surely grant success in spreading Hashem’s light through Torah observance and Nikola Chassidus. Even those who once opposed can come around; sometimes those tasked with enforcing oppression end up showing respect for holiness despite themselves.
I personally feel immense gratitude for being part of this chain—for having been brought close through Chabad philosophy which emphasizes compassion over judgmentalism, outreach over insularity, love over condemnation. As Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev famously rejoiced upon realizing Hashem made him part of Am Yisrael—not just any group but specifically among those who bring others close through warmth rather than harshness—I echo that joy today reflecting on our connection with these tzaddikim and their legacy.
This celebration isn’t just about past miracles—it’s our celebration too! Every act—from koshering kitchens to teaching children—is rooted in their self-sacrifice (mesirus nefesh). May Hashem help us experience personal redemptions from whatever holds us back, bless us with nachas, parnassah, fulfilled desires—and may we continue celebrating together only good news!