885 —הנחיות ליום יוד שבט ומנהגים

B"H, Rosh Chodesh Shevat, 5711.

Brooklyn, NY.

To Anash, Talmidei HaTemimim, to those connected or belonging to the Rebbe Rayatz of blessed memory—may Hashem be upon them for life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to the questions of many regarding a detailed order for the upcoming tenth of Shevat—which is the yahrzeit of the Rebbe Rayatz—I hereby propose the following:

On the Shabbat preceding the yahrzeit, strive to receive an aliyah to the Torah. If there are not enough aliyot available, read from the Torah in different rooms but do not increase the number of those called up. The maftir should be given to the eldest in the group—by majority agreement or by lottery.

Select and appoint someone to lead prayers on the day of the yahrzeit; ideally divide it so one leads Maariv, another Shacharit, and a third Minchah—to allow more Anash to participate. Light a candle that will burn for twenty-four hours; if possible use a wax candle. During prayers five candles should be lit.

After prayer (in the morning—after reciting Tehillim), the one who led should study (and complete) chapter 24 of Keilim and chapter 7 of Mikvaot. Afterwards he should say "Rabbi Chananya ben Akashya..." and Kaddish D'Rabbanan quietly—some lines from Tanya as well.

After Maariv repeat part of the maamar from Yom HaHistalkus (beginning "Bati LeGani," printed in Kuntres on this topic) by heart; if no one can recite it by heart then study it inside. Do likewise after Shacharit and finish after Minchah.

In the morning before prayer—study a chapter of Tanya; do so also after Minchah. In the morning before prayer each person should give tzedakah for matters connected with our Nasi—the Rebbe Rayatz—for himself and each member of his household; do so also before Minchah.

After Shacharit and reviewing Chassidus—each person should read a pan (petition), as is customary with a gartel. Those who merited entering yechidut or at least seeing the Rebbe Rayatz should imagine themselves standing before him when reading their pan. Place it between pages of a maamar or kuntres from his teachings and send it (if possible that day) so it can be read at his resting place.

Throughout these twenty-four hours study chapters of Mishnayot corresponding to his name's letters. Hold a farbrengen during this period. Set aside time during these hours to explain to your family about our Nasi—the Rebbe Rayatz—and his lifelong service.

During these twenty-four hours visit (those fit for this) synagogues and batei midrash in your city to repeat sayings or teachings from him; explain his Ahavas Yisrael; publicize his institution regarding saying Tehillim daily, learning Chumash with Rashi—and where appropriate also learning Tanya as divided throughout the year. If possible do all this within a farbrengen.

During these twenty-four hours visit (those capable) youth gatherings—even those not yet observant—and explain how they are always cherished by our Nasi—the Rebbe Rayatz; clarify what he demanded from them and his hope and trust that ultimately they will fulfill their role in strengthening Judaism and spreading Torah with all their youthful energy and vitality.

It is understood that if appropriate for local conditions these activities should continue in days following the yahrzeit—especially on the following Shabbat.

May Hashem hasten our Redeemer's coming; may those who dwell in dust awaken with song—and our Nasi—the Rebbe Rayatz—the baal haHilula—among them will show us wonders and lead us on an ascending path toward Beit El.

Summary

This letter provides detailed guidance for observing Yud Shevat through prayer, study, charity, farbrengens, sharing teachings with family and community, and honoring the legacy of the Previous Rebbe—emphasizing unity and spiritual growth on this significant day.