Historic Well Used by the Rebbeim Rediscovered in Lubavitch

An historic water well dug at the instruction of the Tzemach Tzedek and later used by the Rebbe Rashab has been uncovered in the courtyard of the Rebbeim in the town of Lubavitch.

The well was originally dug in 5619 (1859), at the instruction of the Tzemach Tzedek. In later years, it stood adjacent to the home of the Rebbe Rashab and was used by the Rebbeim.

The Frierdiker Rebbe once described his father’s daily practice of drinking from the well:

“My father’s custom was that after his afternoon rest, he would drink cold water from the well in the courtyard. He would always drink exactly half a glass, no less and no more.”

The well also served a more practical purpose over the years, providing water to extinguish fires that broke out in the courtyard, r”l.

For many years, the historic well lay buried beneath the ground and its exact location was no longer visible.

It was recently rediscovered as part of the ongoing restoration of the courtyard of Raboseinu Nesieinu in Lubavitch. The discovery was made under the direction of shliach Rabbi Gavriel Gordon, who oversees the preservation and development of the holy sites in Lubavitch.

Upon uncovering the site, workers discovered the original wooden beams and, remarkably, found fresh water present inside the well.

The original well extends over 20 feet into the ground. It has now been reconstructed above the original beams, preserving the historic structure while once again making the well accessible.

On 15 Elul 5786, with the support of Friends of Lubavitch, whose donors support the ongoing restoration work in the town, construction of the well was completed.

Visitors to Lubavitch can now once again draw and drink fresh water from the same historic well that served the Rebbeim more than a century and a half ago.

Meanwhile, restoration work at the holy Ohel of Raboseinu Nesieinu is also continuing and is expected, iy”H, to be completed in time for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah.