In just under 30 days we will be marking 74 years since the anniversary of the passing of the Frierdiker Rebbe and—as the Rebbe explains in the well-known letter from Beis Nissan 5710, the Yom Hahilula of the Rebbe Rashab and beginning of the Frierdiker Rebbe's Nesius—at the very same time, the day on which the Rebbe’s Nesius began. In the letter, the Rebbe clarifies that this continues to strengthen every year on Yud Shevat, and therefore, every year, this day is an opportune time to strengthen our Hiskashrus to the Rebbe.
As many people search for appropriate ways to prepare themselves, or for fitting resolutions to take upon themselves as this special day swiftly approaches, the Daily Leben, a project of Vaad Or Vechom Hahiskashrus, is pleased to share a short overview and resources to learn the Sicha from Yud Beis Teves 5747, where the Rebbe explains how to best prepare for the Yom Hahillulah.
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On Yud Beis Teves 5747, after Maariv, the Rebbe spoke to the assembled, crowd about the importance of the 30-day preperation before every Yomtov, encouraging Chassidim to begin preparing for the auspicious day of Yud Shevat. The talk was later edited by the Rebbe.
In the Sicha, the Rebbe explained that the greatest way to prepare for the Yom HaHilulah is to follow the directives of the Frierdiker Rebbe and his declaration that we must stand ready to greet Moshiach and all that is left to do is “polish the buttons.”
The Rebbe specified how we can best prepare, suggesting and requesting that every single person, both young and old, add (primarily) in their Torah study and giving of Tzedaka, in addition to what they have been learning and giving until then (as well as in other Mitzvos). This request, the Sicha continues, is relevant to every single Yid, old and young, Yoshvei Ohel, Balei Esek, men, women, and children; even those who potentially will become Chassidim in the future are included in this. In other words, all the Jewish people. For, as the Alter Rebbe said, Chassidus is the inheritance of all the Jews, and the Frierdiker Rebbe added that now is the time for the realization of that.
The Rebbe then goes on to connect this with "Asei Lecha Rav," a campaign the Rebbe pushed (primarily) in 5746, calling for every man, woman, and child to appoint for themselves, someone who they can confide with, be accountable to, and who can help resolve questions, to aid in their Avodas Hashem. The Rebbe explained that one can't rely on themselves to set an appropriate Hachana, and may underestimate their true potential, therefore, this is something to discuss with your Rav/Mashpia. Additionally, tests should be set up every ten days with the Rav to ensure the Hachana is going smoothly. The Rebbe also asked that Chassidim allow their Rav to inform the Rebbe of their progress, to motivate Chassidim to work harder for the tests, knowing it will be shared with the Rebbe.
The Sicha concludes: “Hashem will certainly fulfill our prayers and grant the true and complete Geulah through our righteous Moshiach. And “awaken and sing, you who dwell in the dust,” the Frierdiker Rebbe will be among them. Then, not only will Yaakov be alive through his children being alive, but also Yaakov will live in reality - Neshama B'guf Gashmi Mamish.
May we be redeemed speedily, at the start of the 30-day period, so that we may celebrate Yud Shevat together with the Frierdiker Rebbe. Moshiach will lead us to our Eretz Hakodesh and our Iyr Hakodesh, Yerushalayim, to the Third Beis HaMikdash which stands built and furnished Above, and is ready to be revealed instantly; speedily, and truly in our days.”