1. The Founding of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim
The 15th day of Elul marks the founding of the first formal Chabad yeshiva, known as Tomchei Temimim—Supporters of the Pure—in the year 5657 (1897), towards the end of the 1800s. Before this, the concept of a yeshiva as an organized institution with a rosh yeshiva—head of the yeshiva—and a group of students was not common in Chabad. Traditionally, older students would study independently in a beis medrash—study hall—or in a cheder, which was primarily for young children. There was no formal system for advanced Torah study within Chabad until this point.
The establishment of Tomchei Temimim required not only organizing Torah study but also providing for all the needs of the students: food, lodging, and other necessities. This was a significant innovation for Chabad at that time, as there had not previously been a formal yeshiva structure within the movement.
2. The Vision and Purpose of Tomchei Temimim
The founding of the new yeshiva was announced by the Rebbe Rashab (Rabbi Sholom Dovber), father of the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak. The announcement came shortly after his son's wedding on 13 Elul, when Yosef Yitzchak was just 17 years old.
The Rebbe Rashab explained that he had contemplated establishing such a yeshiva for ten years. His vision was to create an institution where both nigleh—the revealed part of Torah (Talmud, Mishnah, halachah)—and Chassidus would be studied together in an integrated way. At that time, most yeshivas focused exclusively on nigleh and did not set aside time for Chassidus in their curriculum.
The Rebbe Rashab described visiting the holy resting places of his father and grandfather in Lubavitch during those years to pray for success in this endeavor. He emphasized that his goal was not merely academic excellence or intellectual achievement but to illuminate and refine character through Torah study intertwined with Chassidus. He wanted students to internalize what they learned so it would shape their conduct and personal growth.
3. The Naming and Meaning Behind "Tomchei Temimim"
About five weeks after its founding—on Simchas Torah night of 5658, during hakafos—the Rebbe Rashab formally gave the yeshiva its name: Tomchei Temimim. The name is derived from a phrase recited during hakafos: "Tomech temimim, hoshia na"—O Supporter of the wholesome, deliver us.
He adapted this phrase to refer both to those who support (tomchim) and those who embody wholesomeness (temimim). The students themselves were called temimim because they combined both revealed Torah and Chassidus in their studies, achieving spiritual wholesomeness. The supporters—those who provided financial backing—were included in the name as well, highlighting their essential role in sustaining the institution.
This partnership between students and supporters is woven into the very identity of Tomchei Temimim: those who learn and those who enable learning are united under one banner.
4. Expansion Beyond Lubavitch
When Chabad expanded outside Europe—especially after World War II—the model of Tomchei Temimim spread to many communities. In America, new branches were established in cities like Boston, Pittsburgh, Springfield, Worcester, and others.
Some branches were called Achei Temimim—Brothers of the Pure—to distinguish them from the original Tomchei Temimim while still connecting them to its mission and spirit. These institutions provided vital Jewish education for children from all backgrounds, especially the families of Holocaust survivors, who often could not afford tuition elsewhere.
Today there are thousands upon thousands of students learning in these yeshivas worldwide under the general name Tomchei Temimim.
5. Accessibility Regardless of Means
One hallmark of Lubavitcher yeshivas has been their open-door policy: no child is turned away for lack of funds. Especially after the Holocaust, many Jewish families were impoverished and unable to pay full tuition or any tuition at all. While other schools might have refused such students, Chabad institutions accepted all children regardless of ability to pay.
This approach shaped generations within Chabad communities worldwide. Many families became part of Chabad because it was simply possible for them—their children were welcomed when others might have closed their doors.
Despite running large deficits—struggling constantly to pay teachers' salaries and cover basic expenses—the leadership remained committed to this principle. The Rebbe would even say that a large deficit is a sign that much good work is being done!
6. The Impact of One Opportunity
There are countless stories showing how helping someone access education can have far-reaching effects beyond what anyone could predict. Sometimes children from poor backgrounds achieve great things because someone gave them an opportunity.
A single opportunity extended to a child who could not otherwise afford it can shape a life, and through that life reach many others in ways no one could have foreseen at the time.
Our sages teach: "Cast your bread upon the waters"—do good even without expectation, because you never know how it will return to you or benefit others down the line.
7. Giving Charity: Testing Hashem
While ideally we serve Hashem purely out of love and duty rather than for reward, there is one area where testing Hashem is permitted: giving tzedakah—charity. The Talmud teaches that one may give charity on condition that Hashem grant healing or another blessing, and such a person is still considered completely righteous (tzaddik gamur). Hashem Himself invites us: "Test Me with this," promising blessings when we support others through tzedakah.
Personal stories abound of people who gave tzedakah hoping for help from Above—and saw remarkable results soon after. Even if our motives are mixed at times, doing good brings blessing both spiritually and practically.
8. Partnership Between Supporters and Students
The very name Tomchei Temimim encodes this partnership between supporters (tomchim) and students (temimim). Just as Torah study should combine both nigleh and Chassidus into one whole, so too should those who learn be united with those who support them.
This partnership echoes ancient models like the Yissachar–Zevulun arrangement—where one tribe studied while another supported them—and similar arrangements throughout Jewish history between scholars and benefactors, or between warriors and those praying on their behalf.
Our challenge today is to inspire more people with means to invest in meaningful causes like Jewish education rather than fleeting luxuries—to help ensure every child has access to Torah learning regardless of background or finances.
By supporting education today we plant seeds whose fruits may change lives—and even worlds—for generations yet unborn. This vision has been at the heart of Tomchei Temimim since its founding by the Rebbe Rashab, and will continue until the coming of the righteous redeemer, Moshiach, speedily in our days!
Notes
The Rebbe Rashab – founder of Tomchei Temimim. See 20 Cheshvan – his birthday and 2 Cheshvan – founding Toras Emes in Chevron.
The Previous Rebbe's wedding – two days earlier. See 13 Elul 5657.
Reb Michoel der Alter – one of the yeshiva's first mashpi'im. See 28 Cheshvan.
The sources – "Cast your bread upon the waters" is Koheles 11:1; "Test Me with this" is Malachi 3:10; giving tzedakah on condition of a blessing is in Pesachim 8a.