‘Derher’ Magazine Highlights Yud Shvat

As Chassidim around the globe prepare for Yom Hagadol Yud Shvat, A Chassidisher Derher magazine has published an unprecedented review of the events surrounding the Rebbe’s emergence as the Nossi.

Based on rare diaries and personal accounts, the magazine traces a distinct pattern of occurrences that distinctly pointed out the Rebbe’s Nesius even from early on.

Consoled with Menachem

Immediately following the Frierdiker Rebbe’s histalkus, Chassidim’s eyes turned towards the Rebbe in the hope that he would agree to be M’maalle-Makom.

Perhaps the earliest hint to these feelings is found in a letter penned by Reb Avrohom Sender Nemtzov after news of the histalkus reached him in England. He concluded his letter with the words “והשי”ת ינחמנו במנחם”, expressing the hope that the Chassidim be comforted with the Rebbe agreeing to accept the Nesius.

A mere three days after the histalkus, Reb Yitzchok Dubov, one of the elder Chassidim from Manchester, England, (who was in New York to attend his son’s wedding), gathered his courage and approached the Rebbe, hoping to convince him to accept the nesius.

The Rebbe was adamant in his refusal. “Der Rebbe lebt,” (the [Frierdiker] Rebbe still lives), he said. However, Reb Yitzchok persisted, protesting that “this was the case for all the Rebbeim, and they still had successors.” The Rebbe responded in astonishment (referring to himself by name), “What do you think, M. M. is a Rebbe?”

When Reb Yitzchok Dubov returned to England, he visited Reb Bentzion Shemtov to discuss the Rebbe’s refusal of the nesius. Reb Bentzion began formulating a “Ksav Hiskashrus” to the Rebbe, heading it with the words K’vod Kedushas Admur Shlita. When the Rebbe received the letter, he commented to Rabbi Hadokov, “What do you think about such a strange letter?”

Rabbi Hadokov answered that to him it didn’t seem strange at all! Anash in England then began preparing a communal “Ksav Hiskashrus” to the Rebbe, which was sent in time for the Shloshim a few weeks later.

Tishrei 5711

The new year brought with it much positive change. Right from the start, it seemed that the Rebbe would officially accept the nesius at last. The height of this was on Simchas Torah, as recorded in the following story:

On Simchas Torah day, the Rebbe received Chosson Bereishis. When the gabbai, Reb Berel Chaskind, called up the Rebbe with the title “Adoneinu Moreinu V’rabeinu,” he burst out crying. This was the first time that the Rebbe had been called to the Torah this way publically, and everyone present was filled with emotion. The prevailing feeling was that the gabbai himself was not speaking alone, but that everyone in the room was reciting it together. It was almost like an informal “hachtora.

In general, Chassidim say that from the beginning of the new year (5711), many signs pointed to the Rebbe’s gradual acceptance of the nesius.

•  The Rebbe established a schedule for Yechidus, receiving people three times a week Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:00.

•  Furthermore, from Simchas Torah onward, the Rebbe was called to the Torah as “Adoneinu Moreinu V’rabeinu, ben Horav Levi Yitzchak.”

•  During this time also, the Rebbe authorized the official establishment of “Va’ad L’hafotzas haSichos,” a committee in charge of printing the Rebbe’s sichos, showing personal support by symbolically contributing towards the expenses.

To read the full article and gain access to a rich variety of Chassidishe content, go to www.Derher.org or download the magazine by clicking here.

The monthly magazine, published monthly by Vaad Hatmimim Haolomi is now offering monthly subscriptions, through which a hard copy of the magazine will be delivered to your door each month. Subscribe by clicking here.