The 5th of Teves
“Didan Natzach!”
Victory of the Chabad Books
The Library
The library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad-Lubavitch was founded and greatly expanded by the Previous Rebbe, while he was still in Russia. As the head of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the Previous Rebbe was also the director of the Library. However, upon gaining permission to leave Russia, he was informed that the library would have to remain behind. He risked his freedom and his life by refusing to leave without the library, with the result that many of the books were “redeemed” and the Previous Rebbe was permitted to take them with him to America.
Challenge
After his passing, a family member claimed the right to inherit his possessions and he removed many books from the Lubavich Library – an activity which greatly disturbed the Rebbe. The Chassidim saw – and heard – how the Rebbe was deeply pained by this challenge to the Previous Rebbe’s continued presence and authority – and by extension, to the Chabad Library and the movement itself. The Rebbe applied and received permission from the Rabbinical Court to challenge the family member’s claim in Federal Court. The courtcase began on 19th of Kislev 5746 (1985).
Verdict
On the 5th of Teves 5747 (1987), the Federal Court gave its verdict in favor of the Rebbe, and declared that there is no inheritance of the Previous Rebbe that may be claimed; the Library continues to belong to and serve the Chabad Chassidim.
This verdict gave the Rebbe tremendous joy; he delivered special addresses during the following seven days of celebration.
Victory
“The victory and redemption of these books that occurred on the 5th of Teves, constitutes a victory and redemption for all of Torah Judaism! In particular, this is a victory and redemption for the continued and expanded activities to disseminate Torah, Judaism and Chassidus – including the Chassidic teachings of the Previous Rebbe, Leader of our Generation – in an ever-increasing manner.
It allows for dissemination in a manner that overpowers all obstacles and adversaries in a peaceful and pleasant manner; as it is expressed in Psalms, “Padah BeShalom Nafshi ... Ki BeRabim Hayu Imadi,” “Who has redeemed my soul in peace, etc., for many were with me.” This verse refers to the rebel soldiers of Avshalom’s forces, who although commanded to pursue King David and his men, nevertheless prayed for David’s welfare...” It is interesting to note that the Rebbe quoted the same verse in reference to the 5th of Teves as the previous Chabad Rebbes had used to express their personal liberation and public vindication.
The Challenge is Not Over
There are still, however, many sacred books and manuscripts belonging to the Chabad Rebbes that languish in Russian captivity to this day. They “represent” the final sparks of holiness in this world, which still require “redemption.” The Rebbe requested that we work towards their restoration.
Recall the Events
This date is “recalled and re-enacted” each and every year; through recalling the original events, we cause their re-enactment, generating anew a day that is propitious and a time of divine favor for all that is connected to the “victory of the books.”
True Victory: Study More Torah
From now on, we should bolstering and add – with every- greater vigor – to the study of Torah. That is the measuring rod by which to gauge the true victory of the books; that’s how we can determine that “Didan deHaSefarim Natzach,” “The books won!”
More Shiurim
We should implement the victory by increasing our Shiurim (study sessions) – particularly public sessions that allow the participants to discuss and clarify the topics being studied.
Mishnah, Halacha, Chassidus
We should study Mishnah as well as the Sefarim (sacred texts) that were “redeemed,” given foremost attention to Yom Tov and so on.
Open Lending Libraries
For the sake of the public, we should put effort into opening Torah libraries that will include books on every area of Torah. We should arrange for such libraries in wherever there is or there will be a Jewish community center; a place of Torah study, Prayer, Tzedakah and the like. And those libraries that already exist should now be expanded.
Send Your Sefer to the Chabad Library
We respectfully ask all Rabbis, authors, and publishers, to donate a copy of their works to the central library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad Lubavitch, in order to expand its collection.
We also request book-collectors who own unique texts, rare printings, family heirlooms and the like – which they do not require for the sake of study and so forth – to donate them to the Agudas Chassidei Chabad-Lubavitch Library, for the good of the public.
All Books
The above request concerns books on every area in Torah, and indeed, books and periodicals on all subjects – even those which oppose Torah; there is sometimes a need to look at such publications as well, in compliance with the directive “Know what to reply to a heretic.”
Thanks in Advance
We hereby extend in advance, our thanks – which is the thanks of the entire public – to all who donate texts to the Chabad Library; please do not expect a thank-you letter, for there is simply insufficient time to reply and personally thank each person on an individual basis.
How to Avoid Fear of Overuse
If you are concerned that by using your Torah texts they will become worn out, there is simple solution: Purchase two of each book! That way you will be able to preserve their appearance...
Hurry
The sooner this is done, the better; we should begin immediately by making resolutions in this regard, and then implement them at the very first opportunity.
Subscribe
In addition to buying printed texts, we should also subscribe and pre-pay for books that will be published in the future; this way, they will be received as soon as they are published.
Publicize
In addition to expanding our private libraries, we should also publicize this drive and its great importance to all around us.
Books as Wedding Gifts
There is a widespread custom to provide a bride and groom with Torah texts – traditionally, a set of Talmud for the groom and a Siddur with translation and instructions for the bride.
Nowadays, however, women are well versed in the basics of Judaism and do not need such as gift; instead, we should provide them with books on Halachah that pertain to conducting a household – books that are written clearly and concisely, either in Hebrew or translated. The more books we give, the better!
Give a Book
It is fitting and correct to fully utilize the custom of giving books as gifts; this custom should be expanded to include young children. Books should be given on joyous occasions, before Yom Tov and so on.
