1. The Custom of Adding Tehillim in Elul
During the month of Elul, there is a widespread tradition to add three chapters of Tehillim—Psalms—to the daily prayers. This practice continues throughout Elul and Rosh Hashanah, and on Yom Kippur the amount of Tehillim recited is increased even further. By following this custom, the entire book of Tehillim is completed over this period. The Rebbe discusses this custom in today’s entry in Hayom Yom, noting its significance and origin.
The language used in Hayom Yom does not specify that these chapters must be recited immediately after davening—prayer. Rather, it states that the three chapters should be said “during the day.” However, our established tradition is to recite these additional chapters right after the morning prayers, as well as any extra chapters on Yom Kippur, following the guidance brought down by the Rebbe.
2. Evolution of the Practice: From Daytime to After Davening
The likely explanation for this shift is straightforward: once the Previous Rebbe instituted the practice of communal daily Tehillim, known as “Yom Tehillim,” it became customary to say all designated chapters after morning prayers. This includes both the regular daily portion and the extra three chapters during Elul and Rosh Hashanah. The Rebbe explains that this tradition is rooted in teachings from the Baal Shem Tov, who himself received it from his teacher, referred to as Moirai Hayyidua—the “known teacher.”
Originally, when this teaching was revealed by the Baal Shem Tov’s teacher, there was no established custom to recite Tehillim after prayers specifically; rather, people would say these chapters at any point during the day. Only later, with the institution of communal daily Tehillim, did it become standard to incorporate these additions into the morning service.
3. The Identity of Moirai Hayyidua: Achia HaShiloni
The Rebbe refers to “Moirai Hayyidua” as Achia HaShiloni, a figure sometimes overlooked despite his great significance. Achia HaShiloni is mentioned in Tanach as a prophet and is known as the teacher of Eliyahu HaNavi. The Gemara in Baba Basra describes Achia HaShiloni as one who transmitted Torah tradition across generations.
This connection is not unique to Chassidus; for example, Rabbi Yosef Karo (the Bais Yosef), author of Shulchan Aruch, wrote an entire sefer called Magid Meisharim. In it he records teachings he received from a “Magid”—a spiritual mentor or angelic guide—demonstrating that such transmission from earlier generations or spiritual sources has precedent among great Torah authorities.
4. Achia HaShiloni’s Role in Mesorah and Disagreement Among Rishonim
The Rambam, in his introduction to Mishneh Torah, lists Achia HaShiloni among those who transmitted Torah Shebaal Peh—the Oral Law—from Amram (Moshe Rabbeinu’s father) all the way through to Eliyahu HaNavi. According to Rambam, Achia lived an extraordinarily long life and served as a crucial link in this chain.
The Raavad disagrees with Rambam on one detail: while acknowledging that Achia lived at that time and was present during Amram’s era, he contends that Achia was not formally part of the chain transmitting tradition from Amram onward but rather served as a dayan—a judge—in King David’s court. Commentators clarify that their dispute centers only on whether Achia should be counted as an official transmitter between Amram and Eliyahu; all agree on his historical presence and greatness.
5. The Baal Shem Tov’s Connection to Achia HaShiloni
The Baal Shem Tov’s main teacher is traditionally identified as Achia HaShiloni—Moirai Hayyidua. This connection underscores why Chassidus places such emphasis on teachings received through spiritual transmission from earlier generations. The Gemara notes that Achia was one of two supremely righteous individuals whose merit could save themselves and even all humanity from destruction.
This special status helps explain why foundational teachings for Hasidus were transmitted through someone like Achia HaShiloni—someone integral to preserving Torah Shebaal Peh across generations and uniquely qualified for such a role.
6. Integrating Ancient Tradition with Modern Practice
The custom of adding extra chapters of Tehillim during Elul does not originate solely with recent leaders but traces back through centuries via figures like Achia HaShiloni and the Baal Shem Tov. When communal daily Tehillim was instituted by the Previous Rebbe, these ancient traditions were incorporated into contemporary practice—thus we now recite all designated portions together after morning prayers.
This linkage between past and present reflects how Jewish practice evolves while remaining anchored in deep-rooted tradition passed down through generations by our greatest teachers.
7. Anticipation for Geulah Through These Practices
The connection between Achia HaShiloni (teacher of Eliyahu) and our current customs also carries messianic significance: Eliyahu Hanavi is known as Mavasser deGeulah—herald of redemption. By maintaining these traditions, we express hope for imminent Geulah—redemption—and pray for its realization speedily in our days.