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Anash Talmidei HaTemimim refers to the community of Chabad Chassidim and students of the central Chabad yeshiva, known as "Tomchei Temimim." In the context of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's correspondence, this term includes those who are connected to, or belong to, the circle of the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (the Rebbe Rayatz), of blessed memory.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, addressed a detailed letter to Anash Talmidei HaTemimim in anticipation of the yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of the Rebbe Rayatz, which falls on the tenth of Shevat. The letter, dated Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5711 (1951), responds to numerous inquiries about the proper way to observe this significant day. The Rebbe provides a comprehensive schedule of customs and spiritual activities, emphasizing communal participation, Torah study, prayer, and the perpetuation of the Previous Rebbe's teachings and legacy.
In his letter, the Rebbe outlines a series of practices for the yahrzeit, including:
- Striving to receive an aliyah to the Torah on the preceding Shabbat, and, if necessary, organizing multiple readings without increasing the number of those called up.
- Assigning the maftir aliyah to the eldest or by lottery, and dividing the prayer leadership among several individuals to maximize participation.
- Lighting a 24-hour candle and five candles during prayers.
- Studying specific chapters of Mishnayot and Tanya, and reciting Kaddish D'Rabbanan.
- Reviewing the maamar "Bati LeGani," delivered by the Rebbe Rayatz on the day of his passing.
- Giving charity before prayers, reading a personal note (pan) to the Rebbe Rayatz, and placing it among his teachings.
- Holding a farbrengen (Chassidic gathering), teaching about the Rebbe Rayatz to one's family, and sharing his teachings and love for all Jews in synagogues, study halls, and youth gatherings.
- Continuing these activities, where possible, beyond the yahrzeit itself, especially on the following Shabbat.
The tone of the letter is both instructive and inspiring, encouraging Anash Talmidei HaTemimim to deepen their connection to the Previous Rebbe and to actively perpetuate his influence through learning, communal engagement, and outreach. The Rebbe concludes with a prayer for the coming of Moshiach and the ultimate redemption, expressing hope that the Rebbe Rayatz, as the leader of the generation, will soon be revealed among the Jewish people.