1. Founding of Yeshivas Toras Emes
On the second day of Cheshvan, in the year 5672 (1911), the Rebbe Rashab, Rabbi Sholom Dovber—father of the Previous Rebbe and the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe—founded the yeshiva called Toras Emes—Truth of Torah—in the city of Chevron. This event feels particularly close to me because the Rebbe Rashab sent a mashpia (spiritual guide) and students from Russia to establish the yeshiva. Years later, I was also sent by the Rebbe to Toras Emes when it had relocated to Jerusalem after tragic events in Chevron.
After pogroms in Chevron resulted in many Jewish casualties, the yeshiva moved to Jerusalem. The Rebbe Rashab sent the distinguished chassid Reb Shlomo Zalman Havlin along with students from Tomchei Temimim—the Chabad yeshiva. Notable students included Reb Alter Simchovitz, who later became a well-known chassid in Chabad; Hillel Priutkin; Tzvi Hirsch Katzev; Yechezkel Feigin, who became secretary to the Previous Rebbe; Nachman Menachem Karasik; Avraham Eliyahu Asherov; and Yisroel Zalman Esnas.
2. Educational Philosophy of Chabad Yeshivas
The founding of Toras Emes reflects a broader educational philosophy established by the Rebbe Rashab. He emphasized that students should dedicate time to studying Chassidus alongside traditional Torah study. This is a hallmark of Chabad yeshivas, where a portion of each day is devoted to Chassidus. The Rebbe Rashab wrote about his vision for this yeshiva, expressing his desire for it to be a place where G-d-fearing young men could thrive academically and spiritually.
As part of this tradition, students are often sent out after several years of study to help establish new yeshivas or schools in different locations. For example, my own experience involved being sent to Toras Emes in Jerusalem for two years, in 5735 and 5736 (1975–1976).
3. Historical Context and Challenges
In 5674 (1914), shortly after the establishment of Toras Emes, World War I broke out. This led to an order requiring all foreign nationals to leave Eretz Yisrael, forcing both Reb Shlomo Zalman Havlin and his students back to Russia. The situation for Jews in Chevron deteriorated significantly following the pogroms that decimated the community in 1929.
Despite these challenges, the legacy of Toras Emes continued as it moved from Chevron to Jerusalem. The community faced immense hardships during this period but remained committed to their educational mission.
4. Passing of Rabbi Avraham Schneersohn
Another significant event on the second day of Cheshvan occurred in 5698 (1937) with the passing of Rabbi Avraham Schneersohn, father-in-law of the Previous Rebbe. He descended from the Tzemach Tzedek and was known for his righteousness and humility. His father was Rabbi Yisroel Noach, one of the Tzemach Tzedek's sons.
Rabbi Avraham married into a prominent family and settled in Kishinev after his marriage. He dedicated his life to Torah study and service of G-d while also engaging in business for a livelihood later on.
5. Legacy and Family Connections
Rabbi Avraham's daughter was Rebbetzin Nechama Dina, who married the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak. Their daughter was Chaya Mushka, who became the wife of the Rebbe. This interconnectedness within families highlights how deeply rooted these legacies are within Chabad history.
I recently visited the Ohel—the resting place of our Rebbes—and took a picture of Rebbetzin Nechama Dina's tombstone, which notes her lineage as daughter of Avraham Schneersohn. These familial ties continue to shape our understanding and appreciation of our leaders' contributions throughout history.
6. Conclusion: Reflection on Heritage
The establishment of Toras Emes, alongside events like the passing of Rabbi Avraham Schneersohn, illustrates both challenges and triumphs within our community's history. These stories remind us not only of our past but also inspire us as we continue our commitment to education and spiritual growth.
Notes
The Rebbe Rashab – founder of Tomchei Temimim and of Toras Emes. See 15 Elul – founding of Tomchei Temimim and 20 Cheshvan – his birthday.
Reb Alter Simchovitz – one of the first students sent to Chevron. See 7 Nissan – his passing.
Rebbetzin Nechama Dina – Rabbi Avraham's daughter. See 1 Cheshvan – her birthday. Her mother, Rebbetzin Yocheved, passed away on 16 Cheshvan.
Rebbe Yisroel Noach of Niezhin – Rabbi Avraham's father. See 17 Nissan – his passing.