🕯️ Today’s Yartzite 18th Elul
🕯️ 1609 – The Passing of the Maharal of Prague
In the year שס”ט (1609) passed away the holy gaon Rabbi Yehudah Loew ben Betzalel, universally known as the Maharal of Prague, זצ״ל.
Few figures in Jewish history have exercised as profound an influence upon Torah thought as the Maharal. Serving as Rav of Prague and several other important communities, he became one of the greatest philosophers, talmudists, and teachers of the late sixteenth century.
Among his classic works are:
- גור אריה on Rashi
- נצח ישראל
- תפארת ישראל
- דרך חיים
- באר הגולה
- נתיבות עולם
The Maharal developed a unique approach to Aggadah, Jewish philosophy, and the inner meaning of Torah. His writings transformed the study of Midrash and Chazal, revealing profound depth beneath passages often understood only superficially.
Many later Torah giants, including Chassidic masters, Lithuanian roshei yeshivah, and Jewish thinkers of every school, drew inspiration from his teachings. Numerous legends became associated with his name, including the famous tradition concerning the Golem of Prague, although his enduring greatness rests upon his Torah rather than popular folklore.
His resting place in Prague remains one of the most visited Jewish historical sites in Europe.
🕯️ 1807 – The Passing of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Zamość
In the year תקס”ז (1807) passed away the gaon Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Zamość זצ״ל, author of אגודת אזוב.
Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch was among the leading Torah scholars of his generation and earned widespread respect for his halachic expertise and scholarly writings. His sefer Agudas Eizov became known among תלמידי חכמים for its careful analysis and Torah insight.
He later served in Altona, one of the foremost centers of Torah scholarship in northern Europe.
🕯️ 1889 – The Passing of Rabbi Abdallah Somekh
In the year תרמ”ט (1889) passed away the gaon Rabbi Abdallah ben Rabbi Avraham Somekh זצ״ל, author of:
- זבחי צדק
- חזון למועד
Rabbi Abdallah Somekh was the undisputed leader of Iraqi Jewry during the nineteenth century and one of the greatest Sephardic Torah authorities of modern times.
Born in Baghdad, he established and led the famed Beit Zilkha Yeshivah, which produced an extraordinary generation of Torah scholars. Among his most illustrious students was:
Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai.
Through his teaching, Rabbi Abdallah helped shape the spiritual future of the entire Sephardic world.
His halachic work Zivchei Tzedek became one of the principal authorities on the laws of shechitah and kashrus and remains widely cited by Sephardic poskim. His writings combined profound scholarship with practical guidance and became foundational texts in Middle Eastern Jewish communities.
Beyond his scholarship, he was renowned for his humility, saintliness, and dedication to strengthening Torah education. Many of the leading rabbis of Iraq and neighboring countries were either his direct students or students of his disciples.
🕯️ Today in Chabad History 18th Elul
Chai Elul:[1]
The occurrences:
- The Maharal of Prague, who was the great ancestor of the Alter Rebbe, passed away on Chai Elul, in the year [2]
- The eighteenth of Elul is the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov. The Baal Shem Tov was born on Monday, the eighteenth of Elul, in the year 5458/1698. This Hebrew year spells out the word נחת [tranquility, fulfillment], as the Baal Shem Tov brought tranquility both to G-d and to the Jewish people.
- On Wednesday, Chai Elul, in the year 1714 by his 16th birthday, the Baal Shem Tov met Eliyahu Hanavi for the first time while alone, while performing Hisbodedus in the field. On that occasion, Eliyahu Hanavi taught the Baal Shem Tov what would become one of the central teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, which is the importance of blessing and praising God whenever he has an opportunity. From there was born the concept of reciting Baruch Hashem when asked how one is doing.[3]
- On Chai Elul 5484/1724 [תפ׳׳ד] Achiyah HaShiloni revealed himself to the Baal Shem Tov.
- On Chai Elul 5494/1734 [תצ׳׳ד] the Baal Shem Tov revealed himself to the public and was no longer a hidden Tzaddik.
- The eighteenth of Elul is the birthday of the Alter Rebbe. He was born on Wednesday, the eighteenth of Elul, in the year 5505/1745. This Hebrew year spells out the word קה״ת which is the initials of the phrase קרני הוד תורה.
- On Chai Elul, in the year 1813, the center of the Chabad Hasidic movement officially moved to the city of Lubavitch.[4]
- On Chai Elul, in the year 1897, the first studies officially began in the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva.[5]
- On Yud Tes Elul, in the year 1940, the Rebbe Rayatz moved to 770.[6]
Its importance:
- The Rebbe Rashab and Rebbe Rayatz were accustomed to wish others Gut Yom Tov on this day.[7] The Rebbe Rashab would wear Shabbos clothing and privately guard this day as a holiday.[8]
- Chai Elul is the day that introduced, and introduces, vitality into Elul.
- Chai Elul enters enthusiasm to one’s spiritual service as defined by the phrase “Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li”.
- Chai Elul is the day on which one begins one’s Divine service for the coming year.[9]
| Event | Year | Hebrew Year | Notes |
| Passing of Maharal of Prague | 1609 | Great ancestor of Alter Rebbe | |
| Birthday of Baal Shem Tov | 1698 | 5458 | Born on Monday; Hebrew year spells נחת [tranquility, fulfillment] |
| Baal Shem Tov met Eliyahu Hanavi | 1714 | 16th birthday; Hisbodedus in the field; taught importance of blessing and praising God | |
| Achiyah HaShiloni revealed himself to Baal Shem Tov | 1724 | 5484 | Hebrew year תפ׳׳ד |
| Baal Shem Tov revealed himself to public | 1734 | 5494 | No longer a hidden Tzaddik; Hebrew year תצ׳׳ד |
| Birthday of Alter Rebbe | 1745 | 5505 | Born on Wednesday; Hebrew year קה״ת (קרני הוד תורה) |
| Chabad center moved to Lubavitch | 1813 | Official move to Lubavitch | |
| First studies began in Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva | 1897 | ||
| Rebbe Rayatz moved to 770 | 1940 |
🕯️ Chai Elul – The “Birthday of the Two Great Luminaries”
Chai Elul, the eighteenth day of Elul, occupies a unique place in Chassidic history. The Frierdiker Rebbe referred to it as:
“The birthday of the two great luminaries”
the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe.
Over the generations, Chai Elul became associated not only with their births, but with a series of foundational events that shaped the development of Chassidus and Chabad.
🕯️ 1609 – The Histalkus of the Maharal of Prague
On Chai Elul, ש”ס”ט (1609), passed away the holy gaon Rabbi Yehudah Loew ben Betzalel, the Maharal of Prague. The Chabad calendar identifies him as a forebear of the Alter Rebbe.
The Maharal was one of the most influential Torah thinkers of all time. His works transformed the understanding of:
- Aggadah
- Jewish philosophy
- Midrash
- The deeper structure of Torah
Among his classic works are:
- Gur Aryeh
- Netzach Yisrael
- Tiferes Yisrael
- Derech Chaim
- Be’er HaGolah
The Luach traces the Maharal’s lineage down through the generations to the Alter Rebbe, emphasizing Chabad’s view that his intellectual and spiritual legacy continued through later generations.
The Maharal passed away at the age of ninety-seven and was buried in Prague.
🕯️ 1698 – The Birth of the Baal Shem Tov
On Monday, Chai Elul, נח”ת (1698), Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov was born to Rabbi Eliezer and Sarah in Okop.
According to traditions recorded in Chabad sources, his parents were already advanced in age when he was born. Before his birth, Rabbi Eliezer was informed that a son would be born who would illuminate Israel.
One of the most famous teachings associated with the Baal Shem Tov’s childhood concerns the instruction given by his father before passing away:
“Fear no one and nothing except Hashem alone.”
This principle became the foundation of the Baal Shem Tov’s life and leadership. Chabad tradition records numerous stories portraying the extraordinary courage and simplicity with which he served Hashem from childhood.
The Baal Shem Tov would eventually revive Jewish life throughout Eastern Europe by emphasizing:
- Divine Providence
- Joy in serving Hashem
- Love of every Jew
- The spiritual value of simple faith
🕯️ 1714 – Achiyah HaShiloni Reveals Himself to the Baal Shem Tov
On Chai Elul, תפ”ד (1724), when the Baal Shem Tov reached the age of twenty-six, Achiyah HaShiloni revealed himself as his teacher.
The Baal Shem Tov himself wrote:
“On the day I turned twenty-six, on Chai Elul, Achiyah HaShiloni revealed himself to me. The first subject he taught me was Parshas Bereishis.”
For the next ten years Achiyah HaShiloni taught him:
- Nigleh
- Kabbalah
- The inner light of Torah
The Chabad calendar describes this instruction as learning Torah “as it is studied in Gan Eden.”
This period prepared the Baal Shem Tov for his future mission.
🕯️ 1734 – The Public Revelation of the Baal Shem Tov
On Chai Elul, תצ”ד (1734), after ten years of preparation under Achiyah HaShiloni, the Baal Shem Tov publicly revealed himself and began his world-changing work.
The Baal Shem Tov recorded:
“When we completed the Torah… I was thirty-six years old, and I revealed myself.”
For years he had resisted entering public leadership. According to the tradition recorded in the calendar, his reluctance carried a heavenly cost, since his mission was to illuminate the Jewish world.
His public appearance marked the beginning of the Chassidic movement.
🕯️ 1745 – The Birth of the Alter Rebbe
On Wednesday, Chai Elul, תק”ה (1745), Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe, was born.
His birth came after the Baal Shem Tov personally blessed his parents, Rabbi Baruch and Rebbetzin Rivkah, promising:
“At this time next year you will embrace a son.”
When the child was born, the Baal Shem Tov celebrated with unusual joy and declared:
“A new soul has descended into the world that will illuminate the world through the revealed Torah and Chassidus.”
The Alter Rebbe would later:
- Found Chabad Chassidus
- Write the Tanya
- Author the Shulchan Aruch HaRav
- Establish the intellectual system that became Chabad
🕯️ 1748 – The Upsherin of the Alter Rebbe
On Chai Elul, תק”ח (1748), the three-year-old Alter Rebbe was brought to the Baal Shem Tov for his first haircut (upsherin).
The Baal Shem Tov personally cut his hair, left his peyos, blessed him with Birchas Kohanim, and instructed the family to return home immediately afterward.
During the celebratory meal held that day, the Baal Shem Tov spoke about the future greatness of the child and his future role in revealing the path of divine unity and providence.
🕯️ 1813 – The Mitteler Rebbe Settles in Lubavitch
After the passing of the Alter Rebbe in Teves 5573, the Mitteler Rebbe spent several months in Kremenchug. Eventually, after much discussion among the Chassidim, he moved to Lubavitch and established his court there.
On Chai Elul, תקע”ג (1813), the Mitteler Rebbe arrived in Lubavitch with thousands of Chassidim and established it as the center of Chabad leadership.
For the next 102 years, Lubavitch would serve as the capital of Chabad.
🕯️ 1897 – The Beginning of Studies in Tomchei Temimim
Although Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim was formally founded on 15 Elul, the actual studies began on Chai Elul 5657 (1897).
The Rebbe Rashab selected the first eighteen students and placed them under the guidance of Rabbi Shmuel Gronem Esterman.
At the sheva brachos of the Frierdiker Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab proclaimed:
“On this holy day, I establish a yeshivah which will produce students with mesirus nefesh for Torah, avodah, and the ways of Chabad Chassidus.”
He described the institution as the continuation of the mission entrusted by the Baal Shem Tov and the Rebbeim:
“I am kindling the luminaries bequeathed to us by the Baal Shem Tov and the Rebbeim.”
Tomchei Temimim would become the model for all Chabad yeshivos worldwide.
🕯️ 1940 – The Frierdiker Rebbe Moves into 770
On 19 Elul 5700 (1940), shortly after arriving in America, the Frierdiker Rebbe established his residence and headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn.
From that building:
- Chabad was rebuilt after the devastation of Europe.
- The worldwide network of Chabad institutions began to grow.
- 770 became the central symbol of Lubavitch throughout the world.
What began as a single building became the global center of one of the largest Jewish outreach movements in history.
🕯️ Today in Halacha – 18th Elul
Day of Farbrengen:[10]
One is to hold a Chassidic gathering in the local Shul on Chaiy Elul. One is to speak of stories of Tzaddikim and strengthen the path of Chassidus.
Tachanun:[11]
In the Rebbe’s Minyan, Tachanun was recited on this day as normal.
The last 12 days of Elul:[12]
The last 12 days of Elul corresponds to the 12 months of previous year. Each day one should do Teshuvah for its corresponding month.
|
Date |
Corresponding Teshuvah month |
| 18th | Tishrei |
| 19th | Cheshvon |
| 20th | Kisleiv |
| 21st | Teves |
| 22nd | Shevat |
| 23rd | Adar and/or Adar 11[13] |
| 24th | Nissan |
| 25th | Iyyar |
| 26th | Sivan |
| 27th | Tammuz |
| 28th | Av |
| 29th | Elul |
[1] Sefer Haminhagim [English] 100-103
[2] Days in Chabad
[3] Recorded in the talks of the previous Rebbe
[4] Days in Chabad
[5] Days in Chabad
[6] Days in Chabad
[7] Sefer Haminhagim ibid; Sefer Hasichos 1943:141
[8] Sefer Hasichos ibid
[9] Likkutei Dibburim Likkut 23 [p.617]: “Chaiy Elul is the beginning of the Avoda of the new year…As is known every year within a person’s life contains a specific form of Avoda”
[10] Igros Kodesh 1:130
[11] See Hiskashrus 840; Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 21-22; The Rebbe Rashab told his son the Rebbe Rayatz not to say Tachanun on this day. [Sefer Hasichos 1943 p. 140] When asked in 1989 whether Tachanun is to be recited on Chaiy Elul the Rebbe responded that regarding matters dependent on feeling one is not to ask. [Otzer ibid] Obviously this refers to a true feeling of joy and not a feeling that simply comes as a result of reading this response. [ibid]
[12] Sefer Hasichos Rebbe Rayatz 1943 Chaiy Elul p. 177-179; Sefer Haminhagim ibid; Igros Kodesh 3:432; Likkutei Sichos 2:629
[13] Likkutei Sichos 24:642