The uniqueness of the period of time encompassed by this volume can be appreciated by a quick look at the Table of Contents. The volume begins with the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Naso of the 14th of Sivan, 3 1/2 months before Rosh HaShanah and contains the translations of 55 sichos delivered by the Rebbe Shlita during that period.

More particularly, if we look from Yud-Beis Tammuz onward, slightly more than 2 1/2 months, there were almost 50 sichos. Never before in Lubavitch history had we witnessed such a constant outpouring of chassidic teachings.

As one reads through the sichos, one can perhaps understand the background for this phenomenon. This period marked the conclusion of תשמ"ט, a year which the Rebbe Shlita had described as a Shnas Binyan, “a year of construction.” As emphasized in the sichos of Yud-Beis Tammuz, the Rebbe Shlita urged both individuals and institutions to purchase or construct new buildings to serve as “sanctuaries in microcosm.”

Similarly, this period was one of preparation for the coming year, a year the Rebbe Shlita described as “a year of miracles.” In an unprecedented manner, the Rebbe emphasized and reemphasized the nature of that coming year during this period.

To focus on several of the interesting dimensions of this period: The Rebbe mentioned the importance of holding farbrengens during the three days following Yud-Beis Tammuz, the Previous Rebbe’s holiday of redemption, and delivered a sichah on each of these nights. Beginning Rosh Chodesh Av, he delivered a sichah on each of the eight days preceding Tishah BeAv. There were several addresses to children from summer camps. The Rebbe Shlita highlighted the importance of commemorating the founding of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim on the 15th of Elul.

What, however, was most unique about this period is the volume of the sichos the Rebbe Shlita delivered. And herein there is a connection to the present period. For the only time there was ever a similar volume of sichos was in the weeks prior to the 27th of Adar, 5752.

It is our hope and prayer that just as the “year of miracles” for which the Rebbe Shlita prepared us with the sichos contained in this volume brought about a truly wondrous spiral of good throughout the entire world, so too, we will merit to see the wondrous blessings for which the sichos of Adar 5752 prepared us: Blessings which will find expression in the complete and speedy recovery of the Rebbe Shlita, and the ultimate good, the coming of the Redemption. May this take place in the immediate future.

Sichos In English

11th Day of Nissan, 5753
The 91st Birthday of the Rebbe Shlita