Introduction
On the 15th of Elul 5657 (1897), the Rebbe Rashab announced the founding of a Yeshivah that would combine the study of the Torah’s revealed and inner teachings: “For ten years I have dreamt of founding this Yeshivah and have paid many visits to the burial site of my father and grandfather ... The intention is not only a place to study Torah, but rather to radiate light...” Actual studies commenced on the 18th of Elul of that year, whereupon the Rebbe Rashab announced, “Today, the 18th of Elul, is the date made luminous by the birth of the Alter Rebbe and the Baal Shem Tov. On this holy day, I founded the Yeshivah at the request of my saintly ancestors ... which will send forth into the world students capable of sacrificing their lives for the study of Torah and divine service, as they cleave faithfully to the path of Chabad Chassidus. I am hereby kindling the lights that we inherited from the Baal Shem Tov and the Rebbes of Chabad, so that the promise [that Moshiach made, to arrive when] “the wellsprings of your teachings will stream outwards” may be fulfilled, and that the arrival of Moshiach will be hastened.”
Torah Avodah u’Gemilas Chassadim
In connection with the anniversary, it is extremely fitting that each of us increases our Divine service in the three fundamental areas of Torah, prayer and charitable acts.
Study Chassidus
Each of us should add in the study of Torah in general and Chabad Chassidus in particular, since it bears great significance to the current days (the 15th – 18th of Elul).
Focus on the Dates
Within our study of Chabad Chassidus, we should particularly increase our study of the works of the Baal Shem Tov, the Alter Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab [see Intro.], and certainly the discourses of [the Previous Rebbe] the Leader of our generation.
Public Chassidus Sessions
In addition to increasing our personal study of Chassidus, we should also establish new study groups for the public study of Chassidus – wherever possible – as well as bolstering all existing sessions.
Add in Service of Prayer
Since the Sages state that the month of Elul in general is conducive for additional prayer and supplication, we should add in our service of prayer. This is especially so during the anniversary of the founding of Tomchei Temimim – a Yeshivah that lends special significance to the service of prayer.
More Tzedakah
It is customary to proliferate in distributing Tzedakah throughout the month of Elul; we should further increase in Tzedakah on these auspicious dates.
Spread Teachings of Chassidus
We should simultaneously perform spiritual Tzedakah, whereby we become [in the words of the Rebbe Rashab] a “flame that illuminates” the world through disseminating Torah, Judaism – and particularly, the teachings of Chassidus.
Farbreng Wherever There’s a Tomchei Temimim
In 5749 (1989) the Rebbe stated: in honor of the upcoming anniversaries of the Shevah Brachos from the Rebbe Rashab and the Previous Rebbe’s weddings, along with the anniversary of the founding of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim, it is fitting to hold celebratory farbrengens wherever a Tomchei Temimim exists.
All Branches
Naturally, we should hold such celebrations in the Central Tomchei Temimim in Brooklyn, NY – and likewise by each branch of the Yeshivah, both in the Land of Israel and worldwide, whether it is called Tomchei Temimim or Achei Temimim and the like.
Draw Crowds, All Alumni
We should arrange matters so that these celebratory gatherings will have high turnouts and that all alumni of every branch of Tomchei Temimim should participate. This includes those who send their sons to the Yeshivah, those who were positively affected by the Yeshivah or its students and certainly those studying there at present.
Four or More Days of Farbrengen
We should maintain these farbrengens until and including, the 18th of Elul; if local conditions permit, we should extend them even beyond the 18th.
Highlight of Our Efforts
These gatherings should be held with great fanfare, so that they become the principal focus and service of these days.
Follow Yeshivah Administration
Obviously, the farbrengens should be led by the heads of the Yeshivah, i.e., the central administration and the administrators of each branch, who have been officially appointed and have been executing their duties for many years – just as it is their responsibility to lead the Yeshiva in all other regards.
