1. The Historical Context: 11 Tishrei, 5553
The 11th day of Tishrei in the year 5553 is a significant date in Yemei Chabad—the days of Chabad history. This is the day after Yom Kippur, when the Tzemach Tzedek, grandson of the Alter Rebbe, was brought into cheder—Jewish elementary school—by none other than the Alter Rebbe himself. This event took place just days after a major tragedy: the passing of the Tzemach Tzedek’s mother, Devorah Leah, on the third of Tishrei.2. The Sacrifice of Devorah Leah and Her Last Request
Devorah Leah’s passing was not an ordinary one. She essentially gave up her life in exchange for her father’s, the Alter Rebbe, so that he could continue teaching and spreading Chassidus. Before her passing, she made a heartfelt request to her father: that he should personally take care of her son, Menachem Mendel (the future Tzemach Tzedek). The Alter Rebbe honored this request and raised his grandson in his own home.3. Arrangements for Cheder and Choosing a Teacher
A few days after Devorah Leah’s passing, specifically on 11 Tishrei, the Alter Rebbe called upon a chassid named Avraham ben Shemshon to serve as Menachem Mendel’s melamed—tutor and teacher. The Alter Rebbe explained that he had specific reasons for wanting his grandson to be brought into cheder on the day following Yom Kippur. This day is referred to as B’Shem Hashem—in God’s name—highlighting its spiritual significance.4. The Ceremony: Torah Reading and Aliyah
On that morning after Yom Kippur, the Alter Rebbe led the prayers as shaliach tzibur—prayer leader—and his young grandson recited Kaddish for his mother. The Torah reading was from Parshas Haazinu, as it was Thursday. In place of a Kohen, the Alter Rebbe took the first aliyah; in place of a Levi, Reb Sholom Shachna (the boy’s father) took the second aliyah. For the third aliyah (shlishi), which cannot be given to a minor alone, they called up Menachem Mendel together with his teacher Reb Avraham ben Shemshon—similar to how minors are called up with adults on Simchas Torah. The section read began with “Zechor yemei olam—remember the days of old,” words especially poignant for this occasion.5. Emotional Moments During Torah Reading
The Alter Rebbe read from the Torah with deep emotion and intensity, especially at verses describing Hashem’s protection: “Yimtza’ehu b’eretz midbar… k’ishon eino—He found him in a desert land… He protected him like the pupil of His eye.” These words alluded to his commitment to protect and raise his orphaned grandson. Two large tears fell from the eyes of the Alter Rebbe onto the Sefer Torah during this reading.6. Visiting Devorah Leah’s Grave and Blessings Given
After davening, following an unusual custom (since visiting graves is often avoided at such times), they wrapped Menachem Mendel completely in a tallis so he would not see anything around him and carried him to his mother’s grave. The entire family and many chassidim accompanied them to the cemetery. At Devorah Leah’s grave, standing close by with Reb Sholom Shachna and Menachem Mendel, the Alter Rebbe announced loudly and joyfully: “Mazel tov Devorah Leah bas Shterna! Today I am bringing your son Menachem Mendel to Torah.” He blessed him that just as he entered Torah study, so too should he merit entering marriage (chuppah) and good deeds (maasim tovim) with long life (arichus yomim v’shonim). The community responded with a heartfelt Amen.7. Beginning Torah Study: Traditions and Symbolism
Upon returning from the cemetery, they brought Menachem Mendel into the synagogue hall where Reb Avraham began teaching him the entire first portion of Vayikra. During this time, the Alter Rebbe sat leaning on his hands in deep meditation and connection with Hashem. When learning concluded, he gave Menachem Mendel honey and a hard-boiled egg inscribed with various verses—a tradition meant to instill sweetness for Torah learning in young children.8. Legacy of the Tzemach Tzedek
This ceremony set Menachem Mendel on his path toward greatness as he grew up to become the third Lubavitcher Rebbe—the Tzemach Tzedek—a giant in both revealed and hidden aspects of Torah. He became renowned not only among Chabad chassidim but throughout world Jewry for his scholarship and leadership skills. His prolific writings continue to influence generations, reflecting both reconciliation within Jewish communities and deep commitment to spreading Chabad teachings worldwide.Notes
Rebbetzin Devorah Leah – the Tzemach Tzedek's mother, who gave her life for her father's eight days earlier. See 3 Tishrei – her yahrtzeit.
The Tzemach Tzedek – see 29 Elul – his birth and 13 Nissan – his passing.
The verses read at his aliyah, Zechor yemos olam and Yimtza'ehu b'eretz midbar, are Devarim 32:7 and 32:10, in Parshas Haazinu.