1. The Power of Gathering and Shared Celebration
In Yiddishkeit, every opportunity to grow in Torah, mitzvos—commandments, and all good things is precious. A birthday is a particularly auspicious time for strengthening oneself. When people join together, the merit of the many, zchus harabim, supports and empowers each individual to succeed even more. This is one reason for our gathering today. Another, perhaps even more significant reason, is the approach of Yud Beis Tammuz—the 12th and 13th days of Tammuz—which commemorate two special occasions. Most notably, Yud Beis Tammuz is the Chag HaGeulah—Festival of Redemption—marking the miraculous release of the Previous Rebbe from prison.
The Previous Rebbe himself instructed that on Yud Beis Tammuz we should hold a fabrengen—a Chassidic gathering—to strengthen ourselves in our service of Hashem. Additionally, Yud Beis Tammuz is also the birthday of the Previous Rebbe. Personally, my own birthday falls just two days before his, making this a time to celebrate in good company. We are also situated between Gimmel Tammuz (when the process of redemption began) and Yud Gimmel Tammuz (when it was completed), so this period is especially fitting for a fabrengen and for making good resolutions to increase Torah study and observance of mitzvos.
2. The Spiritual Power of a Birthday
The Rebbe emphasized that on one's birthday, as taught by Chazal—our sages—a person’s mazal—spiritual fortune—is strengthened. This makes it an opportune time to bless others, with greater hope that Hashem will fulfill those blessings. I therefore take this opportunity to bless everyone: may Hashem grant you all your heart’s desires for good—health, long life, happiness, nachas—pride from your children and family, peace in your home (sholem bayis), and abundant livelihood (parnossah b’rovah). Especially now, as we face difficult times in the world, may Hashem protect us physically and financially so that we experience only joy and revealed blessings.
The Rebbe would often say that there are two opinions about when Mashiach will come: either quickly or at its appointed time (b’ita achishena). But now we have passed both possibilities—there is no reason for further delay! May we merit immediately to celebrate not only the Previous Rebbe’s redemption but our own Geulah as well: may Hashem bring us out of exile to Eretz Yisrael with Mashiach Tzidkeinu and the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash speedily in our days.
3. The Story Behind Yud Beis Tammuz: Redemption and Sacrifice
The song we sang at the beginning is known as the Yud Beis Tammuz song, composed after the Previous Rebbe’s liberation to celebrate his redemption. Let us reflect on both his birthday and his redemption. The Rebbe related at a fabrengen that when the Previous Rebbe was young, his father (the Rebbe Rashab) told him that there was a tradition on birthdays to ask a question which would be answered by one’s father—a custom dating back to earlier generations.
The Previous Rebbe once asked why we begin davening with “hareini mekabel alai mitzvas ahavas yisroel”—I hereby accept upon myself the mitzvah of loving my fellow Jew—rather than saying it earlier with morning blessings (birkhas hashachar). The Rebbe Rashab answered: just as a father’s greatest pleasure is seeing his children united in love and support for each other, so too before asking Hashem for our needs in prayer, we first offer Him this pleasure by committing ourselves to love every Jew. This unity becomes the vessel through which Hashem’s blessings flow.
This lesson applies especially at a fabrengen or birthday: our resolutions must include all Jews—Klal Yisroel. The intent is not just empty promises but real strengthening in Torah and mitzvos together.
4. The Previous Rebbe’s Struggles Under Soviet Oppression
The Previous Rebbe’s leadership began in 1920 during extremely difficult times following the Russian Revolution. Jews suffered terribly under communist rule, especially those who remained religiously observant. From 1920 until his liberation in 1927—a full seven years—the Previous Rebbe endured relentless persecution aimed at uprooting Torah learning and Jewish life itself.
The authorities targeted Jewish education most fiercely—closing yeshivos (yeshivas) and cheders (chedorim)—because they knew that without teaching children Torah values would not survive another generation. In Moscow during Purim Koton (a leap year Purim), despite warnings from friends about informers present at his fabrengen, the Previous Rebbe spoke out powerfully against these decrees—even as his mother tried to stop him out of concern for his safety.
Soon after this defiant speech emphasizing “mipi olelim v’yonekim yisadeta oz”—from the mouths of children You established strength—the authorities arrested him.
5. Miracles Amidst Persecution: Faith and Defiance in Prison
The Previous Rebbe entered prison with only a few holy books—a siddur (prayer book), Tehillim (Psalms), and Tanya (Chassidic text). Remarkably, when he returned his Tehillim after release, it was found open to a verse from Shmuel about Dovid HaMelech: “You shall not go out anymore with us lest you extinguish Israel’s lamp.” This symbolized how vital he was for Russian Jewry—his leadership was their spiritual lifeline.
The Previous Rebbe showed no fear or submission before his captors—even responding brazenly when asked if he knew where he was by saying he was in a place exempt from mezuzah (like an animal stable or worse). He explained that he did not go into prison alone but carried all Jews with him—every Jew who identifies simply as Jewish regardless of observance or knowledge.
This sense of responsibility gave him unyielding strength against their intimidation tactics. Even when some arresting officers were themselves Jews who had abandoned Judaism—and whose ancestors had once served previous rebbes—the Previous Rebbe refused their offers to carry his luggage since their intentions were now hostile rather than supportive.
6. Open Miracles: Kiddush Hashem Behind Bars
The miracles surrounding his imprisonment were clear for all to see—not hidden like those often spoken about from earlier times but open wonders witnessed by many contemporaries. For example, when officials came on Shabbos to photograph him as required for prisoners’ records, they found him wrapped in tallis (prayer shawl) and backed off out of awe or confusion at first sight.
Later they returned but he insisted no photos be taken on Shabbos—and surprisingly they complied! When finally photographed later he made sure his tzitzis were visible front and back—demonstrating Jewish pride even behind bars.
The Previous Rebbe even went on hunger strike until allowed tefillin; endured solitary confinement (“karzer”) under harsh conditions including mud and mice—but never yielded spiritually or emotionally until ultimately victorious through Divine intervention.
7. Lessons from Redemption: Strengthening Torah Today
The liberation was not just personal salvation but a victory for all Yiddishkeit—the entire Jewish people whose survival depended on Torah continuity amid oppression. As noted by the previous Rebbe himself after release (in a letter marking the first anniversary celebration), our response must be renewed commitment to strengthening Torah study and observance everywhere.
I again extend heartfelt blessings—to everyone here or absent—that Hashem should grant every need even beyond what we realize ourselves! May He shower us with revealed good always.
8. Blessings Shared Among Participants & Closing Reflections
Toward the end of our gathering participants shared personal blessings with one another—wishing each other health, long life,
success in Torah learning,
and nachas from family.
Special mention was made congratulating Esther Chassia on her son Dovid’s engagement,
with wishes for continued nachas,
children engaged in Torah,
and abundant kindness.
Others offered words encouraging everyone present,
reminding us that applying what we learn brings true success.
We prayed together that no one should have to wait long for their personal redemption,
and that all difficulties should turn into revealed blessing,
culminating soon in true Geulah with Mashiach.
A final thought shared:
When Hashem gives blessing,
He adds extra beyond measure.
May we merit many joyous occasions together,
celebrate only simchas,
and soon greet Mashiach Tzidkeinu with complete redemption.
Shukoyach,
and have a good night!