📅 Today in Jewish History – 3rd Sivan
📅 1312 BCE – “Behold, I Come to You in the Thickness of the Cloud”
In the chronicles of the early generations, it is recorded that in the year 2449 from Creation (1312 BCE), Hashem responded to the words of the people brought before Him, saying: “Behold, I come to you in the thickness of the cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will also believe in you forever.”
This Divine response came in preparation for the great revelation at Mount Sinai, establishing the eternal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people. The giving of the Torah was not merely a moment in time, but a revelation meant to be heard and internalized by every generation, reinforcing אמונת חכמים and the enduring faith of Israel.
📅 1096 CE – The Martyrdom of the Communities of Mainz During the Crusades
In the year 4856 (1096 CE), terrible calamities befell the Jewish communities of Europe during the journeys of the Crusaders.
My eyes descend with tears over the mighty congregation of Mainz (מגנצא), those exalted ones who were “swifter than eagles and stronger than lions.” In their righteousness and courage, they sanctified the Name of Heaven, offering their very souls for the sake of the fearful Unity of Hashem.
Over them I raise a cry of anguish, calling out in a voice of bitterness. In the third month—once destined for Torah and blessing—additional sorrow and curse were added. The very month that had been transformed into joy and salvation became one of grief and suffering. On the day of the giving of the Torah, my joy was shattered; and just as it had been given, so too did it ascend once more to the heavens, returning to its resting place—together with its crown, its mantle, its seekers and scholars, those who studied it and those who clung to it, in darkness as in light.
This is the lament: “Would that my head were water, and my eyes a fountain of tears,” that I might weep day and night for the slain of my people.
📅 Today’s Yartzites – 3rd Sivan
🕯️ 1801 – The Passing of Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon, son of Rabbi Yitzchak of Shpityvka (Tiberias)
On the 23rd of Iyar in the year 5561 (1801), the holy Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon זצ״ל passed away. He was a righteous figure associated with the holy community of Tiberias, known for his piety and devotion.
🕯️ 1904 – The Passing of Rabbi Schneur Zalman Hirschovitz, Av Beit Din of Goldingen
In the year 5664 (1904), the gaon Rabbi Schneur Zalman Hirschovitz זצ״ל, who served as the Av Beit Din of Goldingen, returned his soul to its Creator. He was recognized as a distinguished Torah authority and communal leader.
🕯️ 1944 – The Passing of Rabbi Yisrael Tzvi, son of Rabbi Yosef of Kossov, and Rabbi Yitzchak Rosenbaum of Rachov
In the year 5704 (1944), during the terrible years of destruction, Rabbi Yisrael Tzvi בן הה״ק רבי יהוסף מקוסוב, known as “Or Maleh,” was killed sanctifying Hashem’s name (הי״ד). Together with him, Rabbi Yitzchak Rosenbaum of Rachov זצ״ל also perished, victims of the tragedies that befell European Jewry.
📅 Today in Chabad History – 3rd Sivan
🕯️ 1829 – The Acceptance of Leadership by the Tzemach Tzedek
On the 3rd of Sivan in the year 5589 (1829), Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn זצ״ל—known as the Tzemach Tzedek and the third Rebbe of Chabad—publicly accepted the נשיאות (leadership), following the passing of his father-in-law and uncle, the Mitteler Rebbe in 5588 (1828).
After the histalkus, a gathering of the elder chassidim was convened, and their decision was publicized in all the nearby and distant towns, throughout all the settlements of Chassidei Chabad. A distinguished delegation of eighteen well-known chassidim was assembled, among them the renowned chassidic leaders: the gaon Rabbi Hillel of Paritch, Rabbi Yitzchak Aizik of Vitebsk, Rabbi Yitzchak Moshe of Yassi, Rabbi Peretz Chein, and others.
This delegation appeared before the Tzemach Tzedek and presented the unanimous decision of the chassidim—that the crown of leadership had been placed upon his head, to serve as their Rebbe, leader, and guide, for blessing and for long life, both spiritually and materially.
However, to their great sorrow, the Tzemach Tzedek refused to accept the נשיאות. In his humility, he suggested that they instead appoint other worthy candidates, including Rabbi Chaim Avraham, son of the Alter Rebbe; Rabbi Menachem Nochum, son of the Mitteler Rebbe; or Rabbi Aharon of Kremenchuk, the grandson of the Alter Rebbe.
The chassidim were deeply distressed by his refusal. As the festival of Shavuot approached, many chassidim gathered in Lubavitch and continued to plead with him to accept the mantle of leadership, yet he continued to decline all their requests.
The renowned chassid Rabbi Peretz Chein later related that on the third day—the first of the three days of preparation before Shavuot—a spirit from Above came upon him. Standing together with Rabbi Hillel of Paritch and Rabbi Yitzchak Aizik of Vitebsk, they pleaded before the Tzemach Tzedek on behalf of thousands of chassidim that he accept the נשיאות in accordance with their will.