Shiurim in this topic
Anash, Temimim, and all those close to Chassidus and Chassidim everywhere refers to the collective body of Chabad Chassidim, including the elder Chassidim ("Anash"—an acronym for "Anshei Shlomeinu"), the students of the Lubavitcher Yeshivos ("Temimim"), and all individuals connected to or inspired by the teachings and ways of Chassidus and the Chassidic community, regardless of their location. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, addressed letters to this broad group, offering guidance, inspiration, and detailed instructions, particularly in connection with significant dates in the Chabad calendar.
The Rebbe’s letters to Anash, Temimim, and all those close to Chassidus are characterized by communal guidance, spiritual encouragement, and practical directives. A notable example is his correspondence in anticipation of the tenth of Shevat, the yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of his father-in-law and predecessor, the Rebbe Rayatz (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn). In these letters, the Rebbe emphasizes the importance of studying the discourse "Basi LeGani," which the Rebbe Rayatz designated for the day of his passing, and encourages communal study and gatherings in honor of the yahrzeit.
The Rebbe urges the Chassidic community to come together in synagogues and study halls for prayer and Torah study, to strengthen bonds of friendship, and to support Torah learners and those engaged in the service of G-d. He blesses the community with abundant life, sustenance, and nachas from their descendants, invoking the merit of the Rebbe Rayatz and the holy lineage of Chabad Rebbeim.
In response to inquiries from many Chassidim, the Rebbe provided a detailed order for observing the yahrzeit of the Rebbe Rayatz on the tenth of Shevat. His instructions include:
- Striving to receive an aliyah to the Torah on the preceding Shabbat, with guidelines for distributing aliyot and selecting the maftir.
- Appointing different individuals to lead each of the three daily prayers on the yahrzeit, to maximize communal participation.
- Lighting a 24-hour candle, preferably of wax, and ensuring five candles are lit during prayers.
- After morning prayers (following the recitation of Tehillim), the prayer leader should study specific chapters of Mishnayot and recite designated texts, including lines from Tanya and Kaddish D'Rabbanan.
- Repeating portions of the "Basi LeGani" discourse by heart after each prayer, or studying it from the text if necessary.
- Giving charity before prayers on behalf of oneself and one’s family.
- Reading a personal note (pan) to the Rebbe Rayatz, and placing it within a discourse or booklet of his teachings, with the intention to send it to be read at his resting place.
- Studying Mishnayot corresponding to the letters of the Rebbe Rayatz’s name throughout the day.
- Holding a farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) and setting aside time to teach one’s family about the Rebbe Rayatz and his lifelong service.
- Visiting synagogues and study halls to share teachings and stories of the Rebbe Rayatz, and to encourage the practices he instituted, such as daily Tehillim, Chumash with Rashi, and, where appropriate, daily Tanya study.
- Reaching out to both observant and non-observant youth gatherings to convey the Rebbe Rayatz’s love and expectations for them, and to inspire them in strengthening Judaism and Torah study with youthful energy and enthusiasm.