1. Wedding of the Maharil of Kapust
The 14th day of Cheshvan, in the year 5585 (1824), marks the wedding of Rabbi Yehudah Leib of Kapust, known as the Maharil. This event occurred about 200 years ago. Rabbi Yehudah Leib was the son of the Tzemach Tzedek and became a Rebbe in Kapust. Unfortunately, his tenure was brief; he passed away just six months after his father.
Rabbi Yehudah Leib married the daughter of Reb Shlomo Freides of Shklov, a prominent chassid and follower of both the Alter Rebbe and the Mitteler Rebbe. Reb Shlomo Freides played a significant role in recording the teachings of the Alter Rebbe delivered on Shabbos and Yom Tov.
2. Arrest of the Mitteler Rebbe
Two years after Rabbi Yehudah Leib's wedding, in the year 5587 (1826), he was arrested alongside the Mitteler Rebbe. This arrest occurred shortly after his marriage, during a tumultuous period for Chabad leadership.
At his wedding, many Chassidic discourses were delivered by the Mitteler Rebbe. These teachings have been preserved in the published collections of his maamarim. The Mitteler Rebbe had a deep affection for his grandson, Rabbi Yehudah Leib, often referring to him with endearment.
3. Insights into Chabad History
The information shared is drawn from a book chronicling Chabad history for each day of the calendar. While it does not cover every event, it focuses on significant figures such as the Rebbes and their families, as well as notable chassidim who shaped Chabad's legacy.
This exploration provides valuable insight into the family connections within Chabad and how its history has unfolded over time. The 14th day of Cheshvan serves as an important marker in this ongoing narrative.
4. Completion of a Sefer Torah
In addition to Rabbi Yehudah Leib's wedding, another significant event is associated with this time of Cheshvan, in the year 5621 (1860): the completion of the Sefer Torah commissioned by the Tzemach Tzedek for the birth of his grandson, the Rebbe Rashab.
This Sefer Torah was completed just days before the Rebbe Rashab's birth on the 20th day of Cheshvan. The connection between these events underscores their importance within Chabad tradition.
Notes
The Maharil of Kapust – see 3 Cheshvan – his yahrzeit.
The Mitteler Rebbe's arrest in 5587 – see 28 Tishrei – his journey to prison in Vitebsk and 10 Kislev – his release.
The Sefer Torah for the Rebbe Rashab's birth – it was written quietly in the Tzemach Tzedek's room after Yom Kippur 5621 and completed on Monday, 13 Cheshvan. The full story is on 20 Cheshvan – the Rebbe Rashab's birthday.