1. The Previous Rebbe’s Arrest and Exile
The 12th day of Elul marks the visit of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe to the United States. To understand the significance, it’s important to recall that the previous Rebbe was arrested in 1927 by the Russian government. Initially, he faced a death sentence, but after international pressure and negotiations, his sentence was commuted and he was eventually freed. Following his release, he was forced to leave Russia. He then traveled to Poland and spent some time in Lithuania before settling temporarily in Riga, Latvia. This period was marked by uncertainty as the Chabad movement sought a new permanent headquarters.2. Travels Before Coming to America
While in exile, the previous Rebbe also visited Eretz Yisrael—not necessarily with the intention of settling there, but rather to visit holy sites and the graves of his ancestors. Since he could no longer visit the resting places of his parents and forebears in Russia, he sought spiritual connection at other sacred locations in Israel. These journeys were part of his broader efforts to maintain continuity for Chabad Chassidus during turbulent times.3. Arrival in America and Public Reception
The Rebbe arrived in the United States on the twelfth day of Elul, תרפ"ט (5689), corresponding to September 17, 1929. His arrival was a momentous event—thousands of Jews gathered at the port to greet him as he disembarked from the ship. The crowd sang Baruch Haba—“Blessed is the one who comes”—and hundreds of cars formed an escort with signs welcoming “the Rebbe of Lubavitch.” This enthusiastic reception reflected both respect for his leadership and hope for Jewish life in America.4. The Rebbe’s First Stop: Rabbi Simpson’s Home
Upon arrival, the previous Rebbe first went to stay at the home of Rabbi Simpson in Borough Park, Brooklyn. Rabbi Simpson was a distinguished chossid and scholar who had served as one of the choizrim—those who would review and repeat the Rebbe’s talks from memory. At this home, crowds gathered to see the Rebbe, who addressed them with words emphasizing Jewish unity: Hashem calls us “one nation,” meaning Jews everywhere are bound together by love for one another.5. Messages to American Jewry
The previous Rebbe expressed great joy at seeing such a gathering of Jews and conveyed hope that “the warmth of the old home”—the Torah atmosphere of Europe—would be transplanted and flourish in America as well. He envisioned that this new land would soon become a place where Torah would spread widely, even though at that time (1929) there were few yeshivas or established Torah institutions compared to today. He concluded his remarks by blessing everyone with a kseiva vechasima tova—to be inscribed for good in the coming year.6. The Duration and Impact of His Visit
The previous Rebbe remained in America for nearly a year—until 21 Tammuz 5690 (1930). During this period, he visited many major Jewish communities across the country, including Chicago and Boston. Notably, he also met with President Herbert Hoover before departing America, expressing gratitude for religious freedom and liberty found in this country.7. Return to Europe and Later Escape During WWII
After leaving America, the previous Rebbe returned to Riga. Years later, during World War II—in 1939—he found himself caught up in Warsaw as war broke out. His eventual escape from Nazi-occupied Europe is itself miraculous: with help from unexpected quarters—including high-ranking German officials—the Rebbe and his family were extracted from danger, an episode detailed extensively in various books.8. The Seventh Rebbe’s Journey: From Berlin to America
During these years, while the previous Rebbe was headquartered in Riga (and from 1933 in Warsaw), his son-in-law (the future seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe) was studying at the University of Berlin before moving on to Paris as conditions worsened under Hitler’s rise to power. Eventually, he too escaped southward through Vichy France and managed passage on one of the last ships before German U-boats blockaded Atlantic crossings.9. The Seventh Rebbe’s Early Years in America
Upon arriving in America, it is noted that the future seventh Rebbe briefly worked as an electrical engineer at the Brooklyn Navy Yard—specifically involved with wiring on the USS Missouri, which later played a historic role during Japan’s surrender in Tokyo Bay under General Douglas MacArthur. However, this employment was short-lived; it lasted less than two years as he shifted focus back toward communal leadership.10. Immigration Challenges for Chabad Leadership
Securing visas for Chabad leadership during wartime posed significant challenges—especially for bringing over someone like the future seventh Rebbe who was both an accomplished Torah scholar and academically trained engineer. There were debates about which credentials would be most effective for immigration purposes: presenting him as a graduate or emphasizing rabbinic scholarship.11. Conclusion: Legacy of These Journeys
These travels—from Russia through Europe to America—shaped not only Chabad history but also broader American Jewish life by planting seeds that would blossom into vibrant Torah communities across North America. The stories recounted here are just glimpses into larger narratives chronicled elsewhere about these pivotal decades for world Jewry and Chabad Chassidus alike.