There is a tradition among many Chassidic communities, particularly among Polish Chassidim, that on the yahrtzeit of a great tzaddik they omit the prayer of Tachnun. Since there were many tzaddikim throughout the generations, there are calendars listing numerous yahrtzeits, and in some communities Tachnun is therefore omitted quite often.
This custom is inspired by the teaching associated with Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who requested that the day of his passing, Lag BaOmer, should be observed as a day of joy rather than sadness. However, some authorities questioned extending this practice too widely. They argued that if Tachnun were omitted for every tzaddik’s yahrtzeit, it would almost disappear from the Siddur entirely, since nearly every day of the year marks the passing of some righteous figure.
In Chabad, however, the custom is different. Tachnun is generally recited even on the yahrtzeit of tzaddikim, including the yahrtzeit of the Rebbeim, with the exception of special cases such as Lag BaOmer.
This week we read the double portion of Vayakhel and Pekudei. When two parshiyos are read together, it does not mean they become one portion. Rather, both are read during the same week while maintaining their usual divisions.
The Rebbe explains the fundamental difference between these two parshiyos.
Parshas Vayakhel describes the effort of the Jewish people in constructing the Mishkan. They brought the materials, crafted the vessels, and prepared the priestly garments. Through their dedication and generosity, the entire structure of the Mishkan was completed.
However, despite all their efforts, the Divine Presence had not yet descended into the Mishkan.
In Parshas Pekudei we read that the Shechinah finally rested upon the Mishkan. After the Jewish people completed their work, Hashem responded by bringing His Presence to dwell among them.
Thus, Vayakhel represents the effort and initiative of the Jewish people, while Pekudei represents Hashem’s response.
The Rebbe points out an important lesson when these two portions are read together. When Vayakhel and Pekudei are separate, it is as if there is a pause between human effort and the Divine response. First comes the work of the people, and only later comes the revelation of Hashem’s Presence.
But when the two parshiyos are read together, it teaches that the connection between our efforts and Hashem’s blessing can be immediate. As soon as we make the effort—our “Vayakhel”—Hashem responds with “Pekudei,” bringing His blessing and presence right away.
This makes such a time especially auspicious. When we put in sincere effort in our service of Hashem, even if the effort is small, we can merit that Hashem quickly responds with blessing and success in all that we do.