1. The Marriage of the Rebbe Rashab and Rebbetzin Shternes Sora
The 11th day of Elul marks the wedding date of the Rebbe Rashab, Rebbe Sholem Dov Ber, to Rebbetzin Shternes Sora. The Rebbe Rashab is the father of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak, who in turn is the father-in-law of the present Rebbe. This lineage highlights the continuity within Chabad leadership: the current Rebbe’s father-in-law is Yosef Yitzchak, whose father was the Rashab, Sholem Dov Ber.2. Family Connections and Chabad Lineage
The Chabad dynasty is marked by close family ties, with many marriages occurring within the family itself. The Tzemach Tzedek, third Lubavitcher Rebbe after the Mittler Rebbe, had seven sons. His youngest son, Rebbe Shmuel (the Rebbe Maharash), became his successor as Chabad Rebbe—a unique occurrence since all his sons were great scholars and tzadikim—righteous individuals, but only one became Rebbe. The present Schneerson family name also traces back to another son of the Tzemach Tzedek, Rebbe Baruch Sholem. One of these sons was also named Yosef Yitzchak (not to be confused with his nephew). This Yosef Yitzchak had a daughter named Shternes Sora. His brother, the Maharash (Rebbe Shmuel), had a son named Sholem Dov Ber—the future Rashab. Thus, when Sholem Dov Ber married Shternes Sora, it was a marriage between first cousins.3. The City of Ovruch and Family Dynamics
Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak was known as “from Ovruch,” a city where he moved to live with his father-in-law’s community rather than remaining in Lubavitch. This move influenced his position in Chabad history; he did not become part of the direct line of Chabad leadership due to this relocation and other familial considerations. After the passing of the Alter Rebbe, Lubavitch became the headquarters for Chabad under the Mittler Rebbe and then under subsequent leaders: first Dov Ber (the Mittler Rebbe), then Menachem Mendel (the Tzemach Tzedek), followed by Shmuel (the Maharash), and then Sholem Dov Ber (the Rashab). For much of this period, Lubavitch remained central to Chabad life and leadership.4. The Wedding Arrangements and Disagreements
The wedding took place on Motzei Shabbos (Saturday night), 11th Elul in תרל"ה (5635 — 1875). It was held in Ovruch where Rebbetzin Shternes Sora lived. Notably, the Maharash did not attend his own son’s wedding due to a disagreement about its location—he wanted it in Lubavitch while his brother Yosef Yitzchak insisted it be in Ovruch. Ultimately, Yosef Yitzchak prevailed. Although details are sparse regarding why exactly the Maharash did not attend, it is known that only his wife accompanied their son to Ovruch for the wedding. The journey itself included some memorable moments recounted by the Rashab.5. Journey to Ovruch and Chassidic Customs
On their way to Ovruch for the wedding, they stopped at Akhremive village where an interesting event occurred: there was only one bench available for sitting during a discourse by the Maharash. A young person bent down to serve as a seat for the chassan so that both could participate properly in this significant moment. During this gathering, the Maharash spoke in Kabbalistic terms about spiritual levels: currently there was a revelation of Bina—understanding or “mother,” but in time there would also be a revelation of Chochmah—wisdom or “father.” He assured them that although he could not be physically present at the wedding, he would be there spiritually. There was also discussion about traditional Chassidic attire: although a shtreimel—fur hat—was once worn by Chabad chassidim at weddings, it was decided that for this occasion, Rashab should only wear it in Lubavitch and not in Ovruch.6. Sheva Brachos and Return to Lubavitch
The Maharash requested that his son return to Lubavitch for Shabbos Sheva Brachos following the wedding; however, due to delays and opposition from his father-in-law Yosef Yitzchak, Rashab ended up spending that Shabbos on the road instead—so Sheva Brachos were celebrated neither fully in Ovruch nor in Lubavitch. During this period, it is noted that Maharash was particularly joyful and delivered 32 Chassidic discourses (maamarim). When Rashab finally returned to Lubavitch on 19th Elul, Maharash greeted him warmly and conveyed spiritual regards from previous generations—the Tzemach Tzedek (his own father), Mittler Rebbe (grandfather), and Alter Rebbe (great-grandfather). He explained that these 32 discourses corresponded to lev meivin—an understanding heart—since lev (לב) numerically equals 32.7. Rebbetzin’s Reflections After Marriage
Rebbetzin Shternes Sora later related her feelings upon arriving in Lubavitch as daughter-in-law: she felt somewhat downcast because all members of her new family were tall while she herself was very short. Her father-in-law reassured her with a saying: short trees yield better fruit—encouraging her not to feel bad about her stature. Thus concludes an overview of this significant event—the marriage of the Rebbe Rashab and Rebbetzin Shternes Sora on 11th Elul—a date remembered as an important milestone within Chabad history.