Shabbos
Shira
1)
To add and complete all the things connected to the yom ha’hilula
[of the Rebbe Rayatz], learning his Torah (in a way of “ten sitting
and involved in Torah”) and going in his ways in spreading the
wellsprings outward. (B’Shalach 5752)
2)
This especially includes continuing the farbrengens of the yom
ha’hilula with joy and song, according to the lesson and
inspiration of the Shabbos which completes the yom ha’hilula, namely,
Shabbos Shira. (ibid.)
3)
Action-oriented farbrengens with ahavas Yisroel on [the yom
ha’hilula and on] Shabbos Shira, and on motzo’ei Shabbos.
(Telegram sent by the Rebbe to Anash, in honor of Yud Shvat, 5748-5752.)
4)
We do not find that the Rebbe Rayatz did as the Maharal of Prague did
... [namely] distributing kasha to the children for them to give the
chickens and birds (although he did tell about this custom). In any
case, one should talk about and mention this custom. (B’Shalach 5749)
5)
But one should certainly gather the children and tell them the story of
the Splitting of the Sea of Reeds, including how the children plucked
fruits from the trees that grew in the seabed, and how they fed the
birds who joined in the song of the Jewish people, as was the custom of
the Maharal. (ibid.)
6)
Especially to implant in them the good trait of compassion for living
creatures (which is expressed in the story of feeding the birds), and
“His mercy is on all his works.” (ibid.)
15
Shvat
1)
The main preparation for Chamisha Asar B’Shvat begins on the 10th of
Shvat, four days before. (14 Shvat 5749)
2)
Rosh HaShana for Trees is a special time to take on good resolutions
(and to begin fulfilling them) for the entire year and to add in all
matters of avoda, applying to both oneself and to others. (15
Shvat 5748)
3)
Every single person (men, women, and children) contains all the details
of “a land of wheat and barley and grape, fig and pomegranate, a land
of olive oil and honey.” And on the New Year for Trees there should be
a renewal and increase [and strengthening] in all these aspects of avoda
for every single person, each according to his measure. (11 Shvat,
B’Shalach 5752)
4)
From the New Year for Trees, each and every person should add in a
renewed way in all matters pertaining to “a man is like a tree of the
field,” including: (a) A service in a way of taanug (pleasure),
in which a person adds in his service more than is necessary to the
point of taanug. (B’Shalach, 15 Shvat, 5750)
5)
(b) Constant service in a way of growth of a seedling (particularly of a
tree) [whereas grain reproduces itself in greater quantity, the seed of
a fruit, produces something far greater in quality than the seed
itself], such that not only is the quantity increased, but the quality
is increased, as well, to a new level of quality [even relative to the
perfection of the service of Yud Shvat]. (ibid.)
6)
An essential component of growth is that it includes work with others
(starting with one’s own household, the environment) by being a
“fruit that makes a fruit of its kind, which contains its seed,”
from which another tree can grow, and many other trees. (B’Shalach, 15
Shvat, 5749)
7)
The custom is to have many sorts of fruits (especially when it comes out
on Shabbos), especially the fruits for which Eretz Yisroel is known,
(and carobs too, as is customary) [for in some places there has been a
weakening of these customs for whatever reason]. (B’Shalach 5751)
8)
To inspire the children about fulfilling this custom of eating fruits,
including explaining to them (in a way understandable to them) the
significance of the New Year for Trees — growing in Yiddishkeit, Torah
and mitzvos, to be trees that produce good fruit. (B’Shalach
5749)
9)
People should also know about making farbrengens everywhere
[possible] on the 15th of Shvat [ in addition to the farbrengens
of the yom ha’hilula, in order l’hashlim, meaning
filling a lack, or meaning perfection]. (11 Shvat, B’Shalach 5752)
10)
[In 5748, Shnas Hakhel, the Rebbe said] in order for it to be with the
greatest “b’rov am” (with a large crowd) , they should
choose a suitable time in each place, whether after Mincha of erev
Chamisha Asar B’Shevat or on the 15th of Shvat itself. (B’Shalach
5748)
11)
And in the days that follow, until Shabbos, the Shabbos of the Giving of
the Torah (and even better, at all these times, in various places).
(ibid.)
12)
They will certainly use the Chamisha Asar B’Shevat farbrengen
to explain and inspire about increasing and renewing in the service of
the “seven species” [even for babies (and certainly for those five,
four, and three years old)]. (11 Shvat, B’Shalach 5752)
13)
And especially to arouse the desire and the yearning, to a feeling of
joy because of the knowledge that we will immediately enter Eretz
Yisroel, to eat of its fruits and to be sated with its goodness, and to
be able to fulfill all the mitzvos connected with the Land in the
most perfect way. (ibid.)
14)
[In 5750, “forty years,” the Rebbe suggested that] a general farbrengen
should be made on the 15th of Shvat (or at least one with a sizable
crowd) in all places, and certainly in Eretz Yisroel, so that the local
people may gather (of the city or neighborhood) and fulfill the customs
of Chamisha Asar B’Shevat together, eating fruits, etc. ( in addition
to people doing this at home, in the home atmosphere). (Bo 5749)
15)
[Naturally] at this time they should speak and teach words of Torah,
especially in accordance with the words of our Sages about “man being
like a tree of the field,” which refers to a Torah scholar, and that
the seven species with which Eretz Yisroel is praised are compared by
the Sages to Torah. (ibid.)
16)
[And also] to add in taking on good resolutions in all matters of Torah
and mitzvos, and in general, each person should openly appear as
a “man is a tree of the field,” a tree which grows in all matters of
Torah and Yiddishkeit, and a tree which produces fruit — fruits are mitzvos,
the fruits of tzaddikim are their good deeds. (ibid.)
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