Special Days on the Chassidic Calendar

This day marks the “birth” of Chassidism, when the long-hidden secrets of Judaism emerged from the womb of mysticism to illuminate and transform the totality of Jewish life.

In conventional thinking, a U.S. federal court isn’t where the 250-year journey of the Chassidic movement would find a climactic peak. Then again, what about Lubavitch is conventional?

This day, so relevant to every Jew in our generation, is surely a day for reflection, learning, prayer, positive resolutions and acts of loving-kindness.

On 22 Shevat in the year 5748 (1988), the Rebbetzin passed away. In the days and weeks that followed, it became clear just how central she was to the life work of her illustrious husband.

Throughout his leadership, the Rebbe marked his birthday by redoubling his efforts to reach out to Jews in every corner of the world.

After narrowly escaping the Nazi onslaught in France, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin arrived to the United States on 28 Sivan, 5701 (1941).

Thirty one years after the Rebbe's passing, his impact and influence remain stronger than ever. His teachings continue to inspire and guide us, and his insights are as novel and relevant as if they were given today. Each of us is a beneficiary of the Rebbe's inspiration somehow, and his visionary leadership has transformed the Jewish world as we know it today.

In the summer of 1927 the Sixth Chabad Rebbe was arrested by the Soviet regime, accused of 'counter revolutionary activities'. He was eventually released after weeks of abuse at the hands of the Communists.

"Chai Elul" - the 18th day of the month of Elul - is the birthday, in 1698, of the founder of Chassidism, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. It is also the day on which his "spiritual grandson," the founder of Chabad, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, was born, in 1745

Careful note was taken of all written materials, and anything else they considered suspicious. Additional investigators measured the rebbe’s study hall; the astonished chassidim could not figure out what they were trying to find . . .

14th day of Kislev is the anniversary of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin's wedding in Warsaw, Poland, in the year 1928.

For five weeks in 1977, people the world over anxiously prayed for the recovery of the Rebbe after he suffered a sudden massive heart attack that left the doctors wondering whether he would pull through.