728 —ח״י אלול, ג׳ סליחות, ועבודת הפנימית של אלול

B"H, Shalom u'Vrachah!

The parshah of Chai Elul is explained at length in the talks of the Frierdiker Rebbe, that this is the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov (the year Nachas-Chasan), the day his holy teacher Achiyah HaShiloni was revealed to him (in 5484), the day of the Baal Shem Tov's revelation (in 5494), the birthday of the Alter Rebbe (in 5505), and "the beginning of work for the new incoming year." Regarding Gimel Selichos, the Frierdiker Rebbe recounted that this day "is a set and designated day for the glory of the Alter Rebbe for his generations," meaning it was told only to his unique son, the Mitteler Rebbe. When tzt"z was about ten years old, it was also told to him—a chassidic discourse in private—and he was instructed that no one should know about it. The tzt"z would say on Gimel Selichos a discourse from the Alter Rebbe before Maharash, and he too was instructed that no one should know. Maharash would say a discourse on Gimel Selichos before my revered father. On Gimel Selichos 5655, my revered father agreed to say this discourse before me and instructed me regarding its secret until such time as he would command to reveal it.

Regarding the avodah of these days from Chai Elul onward, the Frierdiker Rebbe explained: "The month of Elul is a time of revelations from 'Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li' (I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine). The preparations for these revelations are according to their nature... Teshuvah and a broken heart during the twelve days from Chai Elul until Rosh Hashanah. The first night of Rosh Hashanah is an essential revelation of 'Ani L'Dodi' with self-sacrifice and acceptance after preparation. The twelve days must be an accounting for each month of the year—one day per month. Chai Elul is for accounting for last Tishrei; Erev Rosh Hashanah is set for accounting for Elul—the final preparation for Rosh Hashanah—to receive a good inscription and sealing for Torah study, mitzvah observance, and service of the heart with a good and sweet year materially."

For many years, matters relating to Chai Elul and Gimel Selichos were hidden; now permission has been given to reveal them, and they have been publicized by the Frierdiker Rebbe throughout all corners of the world. Even though it may seem—why now? But precisely because concealments have increased in Ikvesa D'Meshicha (the footsteps before Mashiach), "even treasures of precious wealth that were hidden from every eye until now are opened." Especially now after his passing—it is upon each one of us to strengthen our bond with Ilana D'Chayei (the Tree of Life) and our Nesi'im—specifically with our leader, the Frierdiker Rebbe—with greater strength. With his treasures and those inherited from his fathers that he opened up for us—we can remove concealments; this itself prepares us to receive a good inscription and sealing.

Summary

This letter teaches us about connecting deeply with our spiritual heritage during Chai Elul through introspection, teshuvah, and strengthening our bond with our leaders—especially in times when spiritual concealment increases—so we can be prepared for a good new year.