ח"י אלול (Chai Elul) is a significant date in the Jewish calendar, falling on the 18th of Elul. The word ח"י (chai) means "life" in Hebrew, and the date is often referred to as the "life of Elul," marking a spiritual revitalization during the month of Elul, which is a time of introspection and preparation for the High Holidays.
Two important events are associated with Chai Elul:
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The birth of the Baal Shem Tov: Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement, was born on Chai Elul in 1698. His teachings emphasized the importance of joy, simple faith, and the inner connection to Hashem, which transformed Jewish life, particularly in Eastern Europe.
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The birth of the Alter Rebbe: Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chassidism and the author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch HaRav, was born on Chai Elul in 1745. His works laid the foundation for Chabad philosophy, combining deep intellectual study with Chassidic mysticism.
Chai Elul serves as a day of spiritual awakening and preparation for Rosh Hashanah, encouraging deeper reflection and teshuvah (repentance), and is considered a particularly auspicious time for growth in Torah and Chassidic teachings.