Yahrtzeit of the Rebbe's Mother, Rebbetzin Chanah
A Brief History and Introduction
Rebbetzin Chana was born in 5640 (1880) on the 28th of Tevet, in Nikolayev, Ukraine, to Rabbi Meir Shlomo and Rachel Yanovsky; Rabbi Meir Shlomo was Chief Rabbi of Nikolayev. She demonstrated enormous self-sacrifice for Torah and Chassidus, and passed away in New York on the 6th of Tishrei 5725 (1964).
As the mother of the Leader of world Jewry, Rebbetin Chana is also associated with the entire nation. This is alluded to in her name, Chana (© ), which forms the Hebrew acronym of the three Mitzvos that are uniquely related to every Jewish woman: 1) ¥, Challah – the portion separated from bread-dough and Kashrus in general; 2) Nidah – the laws of family purity; 3) Hadlakas HaNer – kindling the Shabbos candles. As the Rebbe stated: The terms represented by the letters of the name Chanah – Challah, Nidah, Hadlakas HaNeir – are the three pillars on which every Jewish home is built as an eternal edifice with generations of children and grandchildren occupied in Torah and Mitzvos.
Encourage the three Mitzvos
Encourage the three Mitzvos
Every man, woman and child should increase and bolster the observance of these Mitzvos – which are uniquely associated with the Jewish woman (not only is the performance of these Mitzvos associated with the woman, but even their relevance for men comes principally as a result of marriage). Ideally, this should be done in the merit of the Rebbetzin, for the sake of the elevation of her soul.
Review laws regularly
Review laws regularly
In addition to the men’s review, women should also periodically review the specific laws pertaining to these three Mitzvos – as well as all other practical Halachos they need to know.
Study and spread Chassidus
Study and spread Chassidus
Woman should also study the mystical aspects of Torah as well, and – as an expression of love for one's fellow Jew – actively disseminate the wellsprings of Chassidus.
