🗓️✨ Luach Hayom – Today in Halacha & Jewish History
Yom Tov of Megilas Taanis
Today, the 9th of the month of Adar, is recorded in Megillat Taʿanit Chapter 12 as a Yom Tov or “Yom Teruas Mitra”. It is a day of celebration marking the blessing of rainfall following a prolonged period of fasting and supplication which preceded a long period of drought. After the sounding of the shofar on this day with a heartfelt supplication, rain began to fall.
The Fast Day Due to Dispute of Shammai and Hillel[1]
Today, the 9th of Adar, in previous times was observed as a fast day of Tzadikim. On this day, the students of Shammai and the students of Hillel entered into a great dispute. The disagreement became so severe that it led to division, and they split into two opposing groups. Because of this division and conflict, the day was established as a day of fasting and mourning. [Some also learn that on this day, three thousand students were killed in a civil war that broke out between the followers of Shammai and the followers of Hillel.[2] As stated in the Jerusalem Talmud[3], they turned upon one another and killed each other.]
The Affliction of King Uzziah[4]
On this day, the 9th of Adar, leprosy spread upon the forehead of Uzziah, king of Judah. The affliction appeared upon his face, marking his punishment and downfall.
The Arrival of the Frierdiker Rebbe (Rebbe Rayatz) in America (9 Adar II, 5700)[5]
On Tuesday, the 9th of Adar II, 5700 (1940), the Frierdiker Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, arrived in the United States to establish his permanent residence. That historic day also marked the founding of the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva in America.
The previous evening, Monday, the 8th of Adar II, after twelve arduous days at sea, the ship carrying the Rebbe reached the harbor of New York. Due to port regulations, passengers arriving after noon were required to remain aboard until the following morning.
When the Rebbe finally disembarked on Tuesday morning, thousands had gathered to welcome him. As he appeared, the crowd erupted in heartfelt cries of “Shalom Aleichem,” and many recited the blessing of Shehecheyanu in gratitude for reaching this moment. Representatives from Jewish organizations across the United States came to greet the Rebbe, and even the mayor of New York sent an official delegate in his honor.
Following a brief reception at the port, the Rebbe traveled to the Greystone Hotel in Manhattan, where he stayed during the early period of his arrival in America. At a reception held in his honor later that day, the Rebbe began with words of thanksgiving to G‑d, praising Him for salvation and deliverance from oppression into freedom. Yet, he added, his heart was heavy, for amid the joy of the occasion he could not forget the immense suffering endured by our brothers and sisters.
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[1] Michaber 580:2
[2] Megilas Taanis according to one Nussach
[3] Yerushalmi Shabbos 1:4
[4] Megilas Taanis Perek Achron
[5] Yimei Chabad Kaminetzky p. 133
