The 11th of Nissan
The Rebbe’s Birthday
INTRODUCTION
The Rebbe was born in Nikolayev, Russia, on Yud-Alef (the 11th of) Nissan, 5662 (1902), and was named after the Tzemach Tzedek (the third Lubavitcher Rebbe). Notably, the first time that the importance of a birthday was made known to the public – and indeed, publicized as an instruction for all to follow – was the Rebbe’s entry for 11 Nissan, in HaYom Yom:
“On a birthday, one should spend time in seclusion. He should recall his experiences [of the past year] and contemplate them deeply. He should then repent and correct whatever requires repentance and correction.”
Clearly, being the birthday of the Leader of our Generation, the 11th of Nissan is a significant day for all Jews.
Spiritual: Torah, Mitzvos, Festive Farbrengen
We should utilize this special day in a manner that will cause an increase in all matters of Torah and mitzvos, amidst joy. This is accomplished by holding a joyful farbrengen, attended by many Jewish men, women and children (obviously with a mechitzah [partition] in accordance with Shulchan Aruch).
The atmosphere should be charged with a joy that stems from Torah and mitzvos.
Physical: Good Food and Drink at Farbrengen
We should also make the farbrengen joyful in a physical sense, by providing food and drink: “bread that satiates the heart of man,” and especially the kind of food and drink that naturally causes joy.
Great Joy, Little Mashkeh
Needless to say, the participants of these farbrengens should drink within the established limit of four shot glasses [of alcoholic beverage] – small shot glasses at that – and even this amount should not be drunk if it will “go to your head.”
Study the Rebbe’s Kapitle with Chassidus
Many follow the custom of studying the chapter of Tehillim – the psalms written by [King David,] the “sweet singer of Israel” – which we begin reciting daily [on the Rebbe’s birthday; i.e., corresponding to the Rebbe’s new age,] along with its Chassidic explanations. This material has been published [in the annual Kovetz Yud-Alef Nissan].
