Living Torah Archive

Visiting dignitaries extend their good wishes to the Rebbe at a farbrengen in honor of his 80th birthday.

Arrogance is the root of all undesirable traits. How, then, can we allow people to gather here in order to honor an individual? More

Arrogance is the root of all undesirable traits. How, then, can we allow people to gather here in order to honor an individual?

This gathering is not related at all to any specific person. Rather, it honors the Torah, the activities and goals of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. It comes as a continuation of the efforts begun 200 years ago with the inception of Chabad Chasidism, and before that, with the founding of the Chasidic Movement in general. From the outset it was never about individual personalities – there were merely “carriers” who shouldered the burden. In the words of the Talmud: “It is not rulership I have given you, but servitude” – a Jewish leader is a servant to the people.

“Torah is not in Heaven.” In this world, it depends upon mortal human beings to work together to continue the golden chain of Judaism and carry the Torah forward, making the world a dwelling place for G-d. Should one insist on “humility,” refusing to be a servant to the people, perhaps avoiding such a gathering, he may save himself from any vestige of arrogance, but at the expense of the dissemination of Torah.

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Chasidim bless the Rebbe on his 86th birthday.

As a student, Rabbi Sholom Chaskind was present at the Rebbe’s first “birthday Maamar” (1952).

The Rebbe’s 75th birthday: Today’s gathering is not about a private individual. It is only that I had the good fortune to be able to help others to grow in Torah and Mitzvos, to assist and encourage them to the best of my ability… More

The Rebbe’s 75th birthday:

Today’s gathering is not about a private individual. It is only that I had the good fortune to be able to help others to grow in Torah and Mitzvos, to assist and encourage them to the best of my ability… And to transmit the wisdom found in the holy books, and that which I heard from my father-in-law, the Rebbe, and also from my father and from elder Chassidim...

Although they are addressed to an individual, the blessings and good wishes for success are really blessings for the work, and all who engage in the work, of disseminating the authentic teachings of Judaism everywhere one can reach, from “the heads of your tribes… to your woodchoppers and water-carriers.”

Just as the “woodchopper and water-carrier” certainly need encouragement and assistance, so do “the heads of your tribes” – no matter how great a scholar one might be, there is always room to increase, for Torah obligates every Jew without exception: “Increase in matters of holiness.” And “Who is wise? He who learns from every person.”

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Chassidim offer a communal blessing to the Rebbe on his 88th birthday. The Rebbe distributes a Chassidic discourse.

I have been asked: “Now that you’ve reached 70 years isn’t it time to slow down and enjoy some rest? The number of one’s years is irrelevant; the real question is: were those years utilized to the fullest? Every honest person knows he could have accomplished more in his youth, so now is the time to work with greater strength to double one’s achievements. More

I have been asked: “Now that you’ve reached 70 years isn’t it time to slow down and enjoy some rest?

The number of one’s years is irrelevant; the real question is: were those years utilized to the fullest? Every honest person knows he could have accomplished more in his youth, so now is the time to work with greater strength to double one’s achievements.

Since we are moving out of the seventh decade and towards the eighth, over the course of this year, at least 71 new institutions should be established. I will partner with every individual who dedicates himself to this project, and at least 10% of the expenses involved in founding these new institutions will come from the “Seventy Fund.”

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Adults and children wish the Rebbe a long life, a happy Passover and a happy birthday!

On birthdays past, well-wishers offer the Rebbe their blessings for the special occasion.