The 13th of Nissan
Yahrtzeit of the Tzemach Tzedek
INTRODUCTION
The Tzemach Tzedek (the third Lubavitcher Rebbe) passed away in Lubavitch, Russia, on the 13th of Nissan, 5626 (1866).
Study His Teachings
We should make certain to utilize this propitious day, along with its adjoining days, to add in our study of the Tzemach Tzedek’s works; both his books on the revealed parts of Torah, entitled Tzemach Tzedek, and particularly, his works on the inner teachings of Torah; i.e., Kabbalah and Chassidus, beginning with his notes on Likkutei Torah.
Three Times on the Yahrtzeit
Ideally, we should study from the teachings of the Tzemach Tzedek on at least three occasions during the twenty-four hours of his yahrtzeit – the more, the better!
His Teachings on Rambam
Preferably, we should link the Tzemach Tzedek’s yahrtzeit (on the 13th of Nissan) with Rambam’s birthday (on the 14th of Nissan). This is done by studying the Tzemach Tzedek’s explanations of Rambam’s works, as well as the Chassidic explanations of the topics written in the beginning of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah.
Follow His Directives
We should add in our observance of the directives of the Tzemach Tzedek: instructions that are recorded in his works, as well as directives that have been transmitted orally. This is especially pertinent to our generation, which has merited [access to] the prolific publication of his many teachings, including his numerous directives.
His Teachings on Nissan and Pesach
We should begin with the Tzemach Tzedek’s teachings and directives pertaining to the month of Nissan and the festival of Pesach, and then continue to the rest of his works on the Written and Oral Torah.
Study Teachings of Other Rebbeim
We should include in our study the innovative Torah teachings of recent generations up until the times of the Tzemach Tzedek, as well as the teachings of his successors, the subsequent Rebbeim of Chabad – including the teachings of the Rebbe, Leader of our Generation.
Topics of Their Main Concern
We should particularly focus on studying topics that our own Rebbe, as well as the Tzemach Tzedek – and also Rambam, whose birthday is erev Pesach – set as their main preoccupation.
Tzedakah and Maos Chitim
We should increase in giving tzedakah, for it “hastens the Redemption”; as our Sages state, “The Jews will be redeemed only in the merit of tzedakah.” We should especially focus on an extremely timely cause: Maos Chitim (supplying Pesach requirements for the needy).
