Introduction
On Motzei Shabbos, the 11th of Elul 5635 (1875), the Rebbe Rashab (the fifth Chabad Rebbe) was married to Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah, a granddaughter of the Tzemach Tzedek (the third Chabad Rebbe). Twenty-two years later, on the 13th of Elul 5657 (1897), the Rebbe Rashab’s only son, the Previous Rebbe (the sixth Chabad Rebbe) was married to Rebbetzin Nechamah Dinah, daughter of Reb Avraham Schneersohn. On each anniversary of these weddings, the spiritual joy and influence that were then created are again manifest. In fact, each year brings an added quality to this manifestation – “We always ascend in holy matters.”
Moreover, the marriage date of a leader of a generation is highly significant for all Jewish men, women and children.
Chassidic Wedding Discourses
x We should study the Chassidic discourses from the Chabad Rebbes that explain the spiritual concept of a wedding (these discourses are known as Derushei Chasunah).
Previous Rebbe’s Wedding Discourses
x We should especially study those discourses that were delivered in honor of the Previous Rebbe’s wedding, beginning with the famous series Samach Tesamach.
Samach Tesamach – 8 Day Wedding Guide
x We should certainly study the series of discourses entitled Samach Tesamach. After all, they constitute the “Chassidic Laws of the Festival.” Their study should be continued during the six days following the anniversary, which correspond to the customary seven-day celebratory period (Shevah Berachos) following a wedding; it was during the days after the Previous Rebbe’s wedding that these discourses were originally delivered. We should study them on the eighth day too, since that day carries great spiritual significance.
Hold Weddings On This Day With Immense Joy
x Those who are set to be married on the anniversary or newlyweds celebrating their Shevah Berachos, should do so with increased rejoicing – truly immense joy.
Plan Food For The Poor
x Those about to hold a wedding should prepare an extra number of place-settings at the wedding feast for the poor. This is in keeping with ancient Jewish custom, whereby the choicest food would be laid out specifically for the sake of the poor.
Spread The Word
x We should publicize these two directives concerning weddings.
Provide Festive Needs
x From Chai Elul onward, we should add in the performance of charitable deeds in general, and particularly in the drive to provide the needy with their festival requirements – in generous and ample proportions.
For All Coming Festivals
x The provisions we provide should include necessities for Rosh Hashanah, Erev Yom Kippur, Motzei Yom Kippur – and all the more so, for “the time of our rejoicing,” Sukkos and Shmini Atzeres.
Yom Tov Hospitality
x Our preparations should include the Mitzvah that is basic to Yom Tov: general hospitality (Hachnasas Archim), and specifically the form of hospitality universally known as Eishel (the Hebrew acronym for the provision of “eating, drinking and sleeping” requirements).
