The definition of the uniqueness of a Rebbe as a Nasi, a comprehensive soul who takes responsibility for the entire Jewish people, and from whom each individual soul derives nurture

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Spreading the teachings associated with Yud-Beis Tammuz outward, even to those who "merely bear the name 'Jew'"; a private note to a given person

No. 636

This letter was appended to the kuntres sent out for Yud-Beis Tammuz, 5710.[572]

At this opportunity, I would like to clarify our custom in response to questions asked by many: [When] Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av falls on Shabbos, do we read the passage beginning HaShamayim Kisii[573] or the passage beginning Shimu Dvar A-donai as the Haftorah?[574]

[In resolution,] I would like to cite a portion of my notes from my records of the year 5690 when Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av fell on Shabbos:

Motza'ei Shabbos, the eve of the Ninth of Menachem Av, 5690 (May this date be transformed into a day of rejoicing!), Berlin:[575] I called on my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, Shlita, who was resting on the sofa. He spoke about the custom concerning the Haftorah to be read on the Shabbos of Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, saying: "My father [the Rebbe Rashab] once read HaShamayim Kisii. Several years later, when Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av again fell on Shabbos, he read Shimu Dvar A-donai. At that time my father commented that he regretted having done otherwise on the previous occasion."

With regard to the debate between the various opinions see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim, sec. 425 and its commentaries; Shaarei Ephraim, Shaar 9, sec. 22.

M.S.

   

Notes:

572. (Back to text) [It appears in Sefer HaMaamarim 5710, p. 266, and is reprinted in Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XXIV, p. 337.]

573. (Back to text) [Yeshayahu, ch. 66; the Haftorah usually recited when Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos.]

574. (Back to text) [Yirmeyahu 2:4-28 and 4:1-2; the Haftorah read on the Second Shabbos of the Three Weeks.]

575. (Back to text) [With regard to this visit, see the introduction to the Igros Kodesh of the Rebbe Rayatz, Vol. II, p. 24.]

The definition of the uniqueness of a Rebbe as a Nasi, a comprehensive soul who takes responsibility for the entire Jewish people, and from whom each individual soul derives nurture

Table of contents

Search this book:

Spreading the teachings associated with Yud-Beis Tammuz outward, even to those who "merely bear the name 'Jew'"; a private note to a given person