Before and after Gimmel Tammuz, writing a Pan (explained below) to the Rebbe has played a central role in the lives of many. With the onset of the holy day of Gimmel Tammuz, wherein many have the custom of writing a Pan to the Rebbe, we present a number of customs and advice:
The Pan: Pan is an abbreviation for pidyon nefesh, “redemption of the soul,” and is given only to a Rebbe. It is given together with money, referred to as dmei pan, which is given as the redemption of the soul. Traditionally, the pan is written briefly and succinctly. One should not describe outright one’s deficiencies; instead, ask for the correction of that area. When asking for a blessing, don’t ask halfway; ask for revealed blessings. Don’t ask for negative things for yourself, nor for others.
Panim are traditionally given on very special occasions: on a birthday, on Erev Rosh Hashanah, etc. and usually written by hand. Then there are the regular letters and reports to the Rebbe. These are written with a date on top, something the Rebbe was particular about, and over the years, they were often typed. This is the typical way people communicate with the Rebbe: sending reports, delineating situations and asking for advice, etc. (People would often write letters and enclose within it a separate page of their Pan.)
Preparations:
Before writing to the Rebbe, men go to the mikveh. In the letter the Rebbe issued ahead of the Previous Rebbe’s first yahrtzeit, he solicits those who had the merit of beholding the Previous Rebbe’s holy countenance, to dedicate time before they embark on the actual formulation of the words, to remember the times when they saw him, and relive those golden moments to the best of their ability. Certain traditions among Chassidim when writing include: to wash negel vasser before beginning to write; to wear a hat and jacket; to wear a gartel if married; and to write on a paper that doesn’t have lines.
Directives to keep in mind when writing:
- Handwriting should be clear. The Rebbe said that as everything holy must be nice and beautiful, the same is true with this.
- People should generally write for themselves, as they are more comfortable to fully express themselves directly to the Rebbe, and things can be gleaned between the lines.
- When people asked for blessings, the Rebbe would often tell them that they should include their level and situation in Torah and mitzvot.
- When one has an issue that needs to be solved, he should create “vessels” to receive the blessings; namely, increasing in Torah and mitzvot.
- If one isn’t by the Ohel, the letter can be placed in one of the Rebbe’s texts with the intent of sending it to be read at the Ohel when possible. (ed. letters can be faxed and emailed to the Ohel.)
The Rebbe encouraged people to write in the language they were most comfortable. This refers both to the actual language, the Rebbe encouraged them to write in their native language, and to the writing style. “Continue writing in the style of your own and not of others,” the Rebbe writes to one woman.
Adapted from Derher
