Customs
Some of these customs are stated in Shulchan Aruch, and others are recorded in subsequent works. These are the unique—and sometimes conflicting—customs that are actually practiced among the various Jewish groups, in the spirit of “each river follows its own course.”
Treat It as Befits a Holy Day
We do not find any openly publicized Chabad customs for the 20th of Adar. Nevertheless, we make particular effort to utilize this day in a fitting manner and in a spirit of holiness—by increasing in the joy of Torah and Mitzvos.
Farbreng and Discuss Chassidus
Among Chassidim—particularly Chabad Chassidim—the 20th of Adar has been transformed from a day of fasting into a day of Farbrengen, where we discuss matters of Chassidus and its dissemination.
No Chabad Customs
Concerning neither fasting (as many do on a Yahrtzeit), nor rejoicing (as is the custom amongst many Jewish groups, who arrange joyful events on a Yahrtzeit as a “Tikkun” [corrective merit] for the soul of the departed).
Tachanun
Although the Rebbes of Chabad do not recite the penitential Tachanun prayer on the 20th of Adar, the regular congregants in a Chabad Shul do recite Tachanun.
Fight Darkness—Add Goodness
We should combat the effect of Yeridas HaDoros (the continuous spiritual and physical decline of each subsequent generation) and the ever-thickening darkness of Exile (that has grown steadily oppressive all the way until our present generation, the final generation of Exile) by making ever-greater efforts to utilize every opportunity and every matter to increase, with ever-growing strength, in all matters of goodness and holiness… And since this year is a “Hakhel” year as well, the year 5747—which spells the word “Tisamach” (“rejoice”)—our efforts should assume additional emphasis.
Yahrtzeit—Celebrate with Joy
According to Chassidic custom, a Yahrtzeit is not associated with undesirable practices and the like (i.e., self-affliction, fasting, etc.). Quite the opposite—it is a call to action.
