Chof Av falls out exactly 40 days before the start of the new year. At this special point in time when the preparations for Rosh Hashana begin, it is important to give tzedaka, thus drawing down brochos for the whole year.
The Census Brought Them to Their Senses
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Today, we are very occupied with respecting people’s privacy, preferences, and rights. Many youth today aren’t being shown the true Torah path because people are afraid of infringing on their freedoms. Perhaps we can learn a lesson from Reb Levik and have more faith in our youth.
Together in Alma Ata: From a Chossid’s Diary
In his diary, the chossid and mohel Reb Yaakov Yosef Raskin described how they secured Reb Levik’s release from exile, his time in Alma Ata, and the efforts to bury him respectfully. The diary has been translated to English by his grandson, R’ Benny Raskin.
Live: Chof Av Farbrengen at the Ohel
Motzei Shabbos at 10:30 pm: Chassidim will join together for a farbrengen marking 80 years since the passing of the Rebbe’s father, Reb Levik, featuring speakers Rabbi Yosef Katzman, Rabbi Yeshayahu Tenenboim, and Rabbi Chay Amar.
A Personal Request That Doesn’t Cost Money
The Rebbe did not often share his private life and family matters with the Chassidim, but on the few occasions that he did, it is our honor and privilege to mark it according to the Rebbe’s wishes. One of those days is Chof Av.
Our Communities
Donate to the Kolel the Rebbe Established for his Father and Win
45 years ago, the Rebbe personally established ‘Kolel Tifferes Zekainim Levi Yitzchok’ to engage seniors with Torah study. Donate $45 and enter a raffle for a chance to win a mashke bottle from the Rebbe, a dollar and a dime.
Moshiach Weekly Marks 80th with Teaching of the Baal Hahilula
A special edition of “The Alef” weekly publication on the topic of Moshiach features a Sicha from Pesach 5719, where the Rebbe quotes his father on integrating Moshiach into the present reality.
Heading Into Chof Av, Chassidim Daven at Reb Levik’s Ohel
A gorgeous gallery by photographer Akiva Shainberger captures the events leading up to Chof Av in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan, including the visit to the Ohel, the pan kloli, shiurim, and farbrengens.
With Every Story, the Rebbe Became More Emotional
Reb Aharon Yaakov Diskin was exiled to Kasil-Arda, a village not far from Alma Ata, and he made acquaintance with Reb Levik. When he shared some stories during a farbrengen, the Rebbe became very emotional.
The Rebbe Asked: Give Before Shabbos!
In years when Chof Av fell out on Shabbos, the Rebbe encouraged chassidim to donate before Shabbos to the campaign honoring his father, and gave a special Yasher Koach to those who did so.
A Shul Named After the Rebbe’s Father
This week’s collection of letters about shul challenges, concerning Congregation Levi Yitzchok of Hollandale, Florida, a shul named for the Rebbe’s father. Most of the letters are addressed to the Shul’s founder, Mr. Moshe Mordechai (Marvin) Shuster and his wife Chana (Susan).
Ohel Bus Will Make Extra Trips for Chof Av
On Motzei Shabbos and Sunday, the Daily Ohel Bus will have expanded hours and added trips to the Rebbe’s Ohel in honor of Chof Av.
Now Playing: Complete ‘Chof Av with the Rebbe’ Experience
Experience a newly published video of a farbrengen: a strikingly clear, full-length video of the Rebbe’s Farbrengen in honor of his father’s Yahrtzeit is now available for you to experience.
Seforim Mobile Brings Chassidishe Reading to the Catskill Mountains
Beautiful mobile library filled with chassidishe books visits the bungalow colonies upstate to give children a creative way to battle the rainy day blues and keep their minds engaged.
Why Two Jews Sat Blindfolded In the Town Square
In a touching scene in Tel Aviv, Shliach Mendy Goodman joined lone protestor Nir Kafatori in support of raising awareness for the hostages, and gained a ‘tefillin lay’ in the merit of their speedy return.
The Untold Story of a Lost Teaching of the Rebbe’s Father
From an underground farbrengen during the Soviet Union to the personal journals and letters written by the Rebbe, Rabbi Motti Rubin traces a Torah teaching of Reb Levik across continents and generations.
Chabad Rabbis Unite for Urgent Pidyon Shvuyim Case
A member of Anash with cancer is languishing in prison in a foreign country due to unpaid bills from a failed business venture. 16,000 USD is urgently needed now to finalize his case.
Outdoor Farbrengen Begins Chof Av in Alma Ata
A grand meal and farbrengen marked the start of the events in Alma Ata for the 80th yahrtzeit of the Rebbe’s father, Harav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson. The event took place at the Chabad House in Alma Ata, not far from the Ohel.
In a Class of His Own
Rabbi Mordechai Goldshmid, whose father R’ Nochum Goldshmid grew up in Yekaterinoslav, recalls stories of the Rebbe as a young boy in the home of his illustrious father, Reb Levik.
Events to Honor Pittsburgh Boy on His First Yahrtzeit
Two live events will broadcast this Chof Av in honor of Sholom Ber Markel, a four-year-old soldier in Tzivos Hashem from Pittsburgh, who tragically passed away last year on Chof Av.
Flying Under the Radar: Torah-Approved Travel Hacks
In this week’s Choshen Mishpat Renaissance podcast, Rabbi Berel Polityko discusses ta’us akum as it applies to skip lagging and taking advantage of a glitch in an airline’s website. Listen here.
Animated Audio for Kids Depicts Life of Harav Levi Yitzchok
As Chof Av approaches, explore the Rebbe’s father’s life with a captivating ‘Derher for Kids’ three-part audio series depicting his life with dramatic flair, complete with character voices and realistic sound effects.
Picture of the Day
After delivering blessings at the end of the Democratic National Convention with Birkas Kohanim in Hebrew, Reform rabbi Michael Beals of Delaware, known as ‘Joe Biden’s rabbi,’ proudly donned teffilin at the DNC’s Chabad expo booth.
First Guests Arrive at Rixos Hotel in Alma Ata
Since early morning, hundreds of guests have been arriving at the Rixos Hotel in Alma-Ata, where major events marking the 80th yahrtzeit of Reb Levi Yitzchok will take place over the coming days.
Bochurim Devote ‘Bein Hazmanim’ to Learning and Mivtzoim
During the summer Bein Hazmanim for yeshiva bochurim in Paris, following a morning seder, the bochurim head out to Rue des Rosiers 17 for street mivtzoim. A special presentation was made by Rabbi Levi Azimov of Tishrei by the Rebbe.
Kids Video Draws Lesson from Reb Levik
Allow your child to experience the excitement of the Gan Israel rally with the Rebbe, listen to the Rebbe share stories about his father, Reb Levik, and learn special life lessons.