19th of Adar—Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shmariyahu Gourary
The Previous Rebbe appointed him as Director of the international network of Tomchei Temimim (Lubavitch) Yeshivos. The Rashag passed away on the 19th of Adar I, 5743—just one day before the 20th of Adar, the birthday and passing of Moshe Rabbeinu.
Increase in Torah and Chassidus
Today being the 19th of Adar, and the day preceding the 20th of Adar, we should particularly increase our study of both the inner and “revealed” dimensions of Torah.
We should maintain this increased level of Torah study through the 20th of Adar as well.
Tzedakah—Torah and Mitzvos
“Great is study since it leads to action.” Along with our increased study, we should increase our distribution of Tzedakah—as well as making positive resolutions in all realms of Torah and Mitzvos.
Torah Sessions
This includes observing the important practice that was instituted by Moshe Rabbeinu, “To gather congregations each Shabbos to study Torah”—a topic that we have discussed on many recent occasions.
Fulfill the Goal of Tomchei Temimim
This increase in activities, etc., is particularly relevant to students of the Tomchei Temimim Yeshivah; they should increase their efforts at fulfilling their mission:
First and foremost, they should increase their study of both the inner and “revealed” dimensions of Torah. In addition, they should increase their unique service of “providing illumination” by disseminating Chassidus.
Yeshivah Farbrengens
The students of the Tomchei Temimim Yeshivah, in conjunction with the instructions of the Yeshivah administration, should continue holding joyful, Chassidishe Farbrengens, and also make positive resolutions in all of the above directives.
Publish Maamorim
In honor of the Rashag’s first Yahrtzeit in 5743, the Rebbe announced that it would be fitting to publish Chassidic discourses on the topic of the Redemption, Techiyas HaMeisim (the Resurrection), and similar subjects.
A Complete Torah
According to the famous account of how the Yeshivah received its name, “Tomchei Temimim,” the name was given by its founder, the Rebbe Rashab, during Hakafos on Simchas Torah—immediately after reciting the liturgical supplication “Tomchei Temimim Hoshiah Na” (“Hashem, Supporter of Your people, the wholesome ones—Please save us!”). At that time, he added, “The purpose of the Yeshivah is to have a ‘complete’ Torah—Torah Temimah—with both its ‘revealed’ and Chassidic dimensions being studied in complementary fashion.”
Banish Darkness
The Tomchei Temimim Yeshivah was specifically founded by the Rebbe Rashab towards the end of our Exile, so that its students should become “lamps that illuminate” the greatly intensified gloom of the final and darkest era of Exile, known as the “footsteps of Moshiach.”
More Than Malach Michael
Great importance is attached to a Chassidishe Farbrengen. In the words of the Alter Rebbe, based on “a message that descended from Heaven”: A Chassidishe Farbrengen has the power to achieve that which the archangel Michael, the “Angel of the Jews,” cannot achieve.
We should therefore add to our rejoicing by holding a joyful Farbrengen, especially during Shabbos—the “day of your rejoicing”—and all the more so on a Shabbos during the month of Adar, when “we increase joy.” Moreover, this applies as soon as “Adar enters”—while we are already six days into Adar, each day bringing a further increase in joy…
