The Yom Kippur War ended in a miraculous victory for Eretz Yisroel. Against terrifying odds, the Arab nations who had converged on the tiny country from all sides were defeated. But the victory was a bitter-sweet one. Thousands of young soldiers died in the war, several hundred on the first day alone. Many more were injured and maimed or suffered sustained psychological wounds. Perhaps for the first time in the young country’s history, the soldiers’ morale was low.
At the Farbrengen of Yud-Tes Kislev 5734, the Rebbe spoke at length on the topic. After pointing out that morale is crucial to an army—for the best weaponry will only be effective in the hands of healthy, confident soldiers—the Rebbe said that any problem such as this can be approached from many perspectives, “six hundred thousand” of them, in fact. The Rebbe’s suggestion was that each soldier should Recieve a Tzedakah Pushkah, Tefillin, Tehillim & a Siddur.
Sichos Kodesh (Ches) | Audio
On Shabbos Parshas Vayeishev, 20 Kislev, the Rebbe spoke very strongly about Mivtza Chanukah, as well as, encouraging the new initiative that every home should have a Pushkah, Siddur, Tehillim, adding that Chassidim should also have a Tanya or Likkueti Torah & Torah Ohr.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Hei)
On Motzei Zos Chanukah 5734, the Rebbe again addressed the new initiative this time adding a Gemoroh or Mishnayos to the list.
Sichos Kodesh (End of Seif Vov) | Audio
Some time later on Yud Shevat the Rebbe spoke about the reasoning behind the initiative.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Beis) Audio
On Tes-Vov Shevat the Rebbe spoke about the Mivtzoyim saying, that A Tzedakah box, Mezuzah and holy books make the complete package.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Gimmel) | Audio
On Shabbos Parshas Naso, 11 Sivan, the Rebbe spoke about the Mivtza of Seforim connecting it to Moshe, Dovid and the Ba’al Shem Tov, continuing the Rebbe’s Farbrengen from Shavous.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Gimmel)
On Shabbos Parshas Shelach 5734, the Rebbe spoke about the story of the Meraglim and spoke about the Diyuk of the term "Malei Seforim.”
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Alef)
On Shabbos Parshas Korach 5734, the Rebbe spoke about the infamous complaint of Korach that a Bayis Malei Seforim doesn't need a Mezuzah.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Gimmel)
On Shabbos Parshas Balak while speaking about the Mivtzoyim the Rebbe once again explained and discussed the concept of Bayis Malei Seforim.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Daled)
On Yud Beis Tammuz 5734, the Rebbe made a special connection between a story of the Frierdiker Rebbe and the Mivtza (the Rebbe did this for all (then) five Mivtzoyim).
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Chof Beis) | Audio
On Erev Rosh Chodesh Menachem-Av 5734, the Rebbe while speaking about the Mivtzoyim said that Bayis Malei Seforim is that the entire Metzius of the home becomes Seforim.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Beis) | Audio
On Chof Av 5734, the Rebbe again spoke about the Diyukim of “Bayis” & “Malei” and spoke about how women can join the initiative.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Beis & Daled) | Audio
On Shabbos Parshas Bereishis 5735, the Rebbe spoke about the (then) five Mivtzoyim and spoke about buying Seforim even if you don't know how to use them.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Zayin)
On Chai Elul 5735, the Rebbe again spoke about the Lashon “Malei” saying that it has an effect on the entire house.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Beis) | Audio
On Shabbos Parshas Devarim 5736, the Rebbe learned from Hilchos Shabbos that even though the house isn't literally “filled” with books physically, it is still the main part of the home.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Daled)
On Lag Ba’omer 5737, the Rebbe said how the Seforim are the main thing and the home is considered the side thing.
Sichos Kodesh (Seif Tes-Zayin) | Audio
The name of the mivtza initially alternated between “ Mivtza Sifrei Kodesh Bechol Bayis,” “ Bayis Malei Seforim,” and other minor variations; eventually it was titled “Bayis Malei Seforim—Yavne Vechachameha.”
On Shabbos Parshas Parshas Bereishis and Simchas Torah 5735, the Rebbe spoke about “Yavneh V’chachameha”––Sending students to different places for Torah Study, a part of Mivtza Bayis Malei Seforim and Torah: Sichos Kodesh
In Nissan of 5741, the Rebbe added another reason behind the Mivtza, that it fulfills the Mitvzah of writing a Sefer Torah: Likkutei Sichos Chelek 23 Shavous.
On Chof Alef Av 5744, the Rebbe announced a special sale on the Seforim from Kehos - 20% off in honor of Chof Av: Toras Menachem | Audio | English
Eventually the Seforim sale did go up to 40%: Toras Menachem (Yud Kislev 5746)
On Tes-Zayin Adar 5747, during a Yechidus, the Rebbe spoke about putting Seforim in childrens' rooms, adding that being that it's Bayis Malei Seforim, one Sefer is not sufficient: Toras Menachem
In 5750 (Toras Menachem Hisvaaduyos 5750 vol. 2 p. 90) the Rebbe spoke about using the Seforim even though they may get “ruined” explaining that it brings out their true beauty.