Living Torah Archives

The 5th of Teves marks the day that Chabad won the court case surrounding the ownership of the Chabad library. On this day in 5749, during the year of mourning for his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushkah, the Rebbe leads the afternoon services.

Scenes from JEM’s landmark film "A Movement on Trial".

In 1985, important books and manuscripts were discovered missing from the Previous Rebbe’s Library. Following a surveillance operation, the culprit was found, leading to a long court battle over the ownership of the library itself. Throughout the battle, the Rebbe frequented and prayed at the resting place of his father-in-law and predecessor, the Previous Rebbe. Rabbi Mendel Azimov was a yeshiva student at the time, whose father, Rabbi Shmuel Azimov, was the Rebbe’s emissary to France. At one point, Rabbi Shmuel Azimov led an initiative in the Rebbe’s merit.

Chasidim celebrate the ruling of the US Court of Appeals, upholding Agudas Chasidei Chabad’s ownership of the Previous Rebbe’s library.

The Talmud states about our forefather, Jacob: “As long as his children are alive, he, too, is alive.” When we live the teachings and mission of the Rebbe, our bond to him becomes everstronger, and in the words of the Talmud, “he too, is alive.”

A Talmudic sage was once approached by a good spirit which guarded the local river. It told the sage that an unholy spirit intended to wrest control of the river, and make trouble for the Jews who came to use it. The good spirit instructed the sage: “Gather all the local Jews. When the evil spirit approaches, I will alert you. All the assembled should then stand in its path and shout: ‘Didan Notzach – Victory is ours!’” When the Jews did this a drop of blood appeared on the face of the water, illustrating their victory over the evil spirit.

Days of rejoicing at 770, after US Federal Court ruled that important books and manuscripts stolen from the Previous Rebbe’s Library be returned to the Chassidim. (5 Teves, 5747 • January 6, 1987; 7 Teves, 5747 • January 8, 1987; 2 Cheshvan, 5748 • November 23, 1987)

Attorney Nathan Lewin was one of Chabad’s main lawyers in the federal court case over ownership of the Previous Rebbe’s library. He tells the events which led up to the case, and the vital roles of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin in that court victory (1985 – 1987).