1. The Historical Context of Chof Aleph Elul 1939
The 21st day of Elul, Chof Aleph Elul—in the year 1939—marks a significant and somber moment in Chabad history. This date coincides with the outbreak of World War II, when the previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, was forced to leave Otwock, Poland, due to the advancing German forces, yemach shemam—may their name be erased. The Rebbe’s departure from Otwock was not just a personal journey but a pivotal event for the entire Chabad movement during those turbulent times.2. The Rebbe’s Departure from Otwock
On this day, Tuesday, the 21st of Elul, at three in the afternoon, the previous Rebbe left Otwock, where he had lived for four years. Many residents of Otwock gathered to bid farewell and receive blessings from the Rebbe. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion; it was clear that the Rebbe felt deep pain and bitterness at having to leave his community under such dire circumstances. Before departing, he addressed those assembled, offering words of encouragement: “May you be healthy, accept upon yourself the yoke of the Heavenly Kingdom (ol malchut shamayim), and remember that God guards His servants. We are all children of Hashem—God will protect you wherever you may be.” The Rebbe wept as he left Otwock.3. The Dangerous Journey to Warsaw
As the Rebbe and his family traveled toward Warsaw on their way to Riga, Latvia, their convoy came under bombardment by German forces. All travelers abandoned their vehicles and sought shelter by the roadside. Despite the danger, the previous Rebbe reassured his family that they had nothing to fear because his father, the Rebbe Rashab, was “working for us now,” implying spiritual protection from above. This faith sustained them through these perilous moments.4. Stranded in Warsaw and Miraculous Deliverance
Upon arriving in Warsaw, it became apparent that travel onward to Riga was impossible due to wartime conditions. The Rebbe was forced to remain in Warsaw for about three and a half months—from Elul until the second day of Tevet. These were terrifying days at the onset of war, as described by the Rebbe elsewhere. Eventually, through a series of miraculous events involving international diplomacy and covert operations—including intervention by American diplomatic officials and by Major Ernst Bloch, a decorated First World War veteran of partly Jewish descent then serving as an officer in the Wehrmacht—the Rebbe was able to escape.5. The Role of International Intervention
At that time, America had not yet entered World War II and maintained neutrality. The Germans were still attempting diplomatic relations with America. Under pressure from Washington, the American consul in Poland received instructions to extract Rabbi Schneerson and send him safely to Riga. When agents arrived searching for “Rabbi Schneerson,” local Jews denied his presence out of fear for his safety—not realizing these were actually rescuers sent on his behalf.6. Escape Through Berlin and Arrival in Riga
In order to reach Latvia safely, it became necessary for the Rebbe’s party to travel from Warsaw through Berlin—right into enemy territory—before continuing on to Riga. With official documents presented by their escort, a serving German officer, they managed to pass through numerous checkpoints despite being stopped multiple times by Gestapo officers and other German soldiers who viewed them as captives. Miraculously, they reached Berlin unharmed and then continued on to Riga.7. Aftermath: Further Exile and Preservation of Chabad Legacy
Although Latvia itself would later fall under Nazi occupation as well, at this stage it served as a temporary refuge for the previous Rebbe before his eventual emigration to America in 1940. Hashem’s kindness enabled not only his survival but also that of much of Chabad leadership and community during this era. Many historical documents have since come to light detailing these events further—including accounts of lost books during these travels which later became subjects of legal battles over restitution.8. Reflection on Chof Aleph Elul: A Day of Salvation
While initially marked as a sad day due to its association with upheaval and danger, Chof Aleph Elul is ultimately remembered as a day of deliverance for Chabad chassidim worldwide. It marks not only an escape from physical peril but also Divine mercy that allowed for continuity and renewal within Chabad life in subsequent generations—a merit we continue to benefit from today.