Beginning in 5742, the Rebbe would introduce Roshei Teivos (acronyms) based on the numerals of the year, usually connected with the coming of Moshiach. The Rebbe viewed these acronyms as an indication of the year’s distinguishing character and identity.

Occasionally, chassidim would suggest Roshei Teivos for the upcoming year, and the Rebbe would approve one. These acronyms were then used in all official publications of Kehos and in the printing of the Rebbe’s Torah.

Very often, the Rebbe would speak about the abbreviation of the year, saying, “that is widespread among many Yidden that this year is a year of…” and would go on to explain its uniqueness and its connection to the year and even current world events. In the years 5751 and 5752, the Rebbe discussed them with extreme frequency, making them the theme of each year.

Although it is ultimately only the Rebbe’s call to affix the abbreviation for a given year, below is a list of suggestions that came into the Anash.org inbox for the year of 5786 – ה’תשפ”ו. We encourage our readers to add more in the comments section below.

May we indeed be zoche to a year of miracles and wonders with the coming of Moshiach, when the Rebbe will once again approve a new one for the year of 5786.

השנה תהא שנת…
May this year be a year of…

• פלאות ודאי – Definite Wonders
  Requesting that it should be a year full of miracles and wonders with the coming of Moshiach. פלאות is taken from the word נפלאות used in the abbreviations in the 5750’s approved by the Rebbe, and ודאי was used in the abbreviation for 5746.
  
• פרו ורבו – Be Fruitful and Multiply
  A reference to the first mitzvah in the Torah of having children, indicating that all those in need of this bracha should be blessed with children this year.
  
• פדות והצלה / פודה ומציל – Redemption and Salvation
  It should be a year of personal redemption for all and the ultimate geulah with Moshiach.
  
• ופרצת – And You Should Spread Out
  Referencing the Rebbe’s timeless call to spread Yiddishkeit and Chassidus to the four corners of the globe to bring Moshiach.
  
• פלאות וניסים – Wonders and Miracles
  May it be a year of miracles with the ultimate geulah.
  
• פאר וכבוד – Glory and Honor
  A quote from Kel Adon said on Shabbos, speaking about the honor we bestow upon Hashem. Notably, the Rebbe began singing Shamil once when he reached these words in davening.
  
• פאר והדר – Glory and Splendor
  A reference to the Rebbe’s frequent call that important initiatives (e.g., Siyum HaRambam) be fulfilled in the most prestigious way, indicating that we should celebrate the coming of Moshiach with full fanfare.