Question:
Should one recite Tachanun on the day of Chaiy Elul?
Answer:
Those who feel an abundance of joy on this day in commemoration of the birth of the Alter Rebbe and Baal Shem Tov may omit the saying of Tachanun, as is customary on all “Chag Hageula” of the Rabbeim, such as on Yud Kisleiv, Yud Tes Kisleiv, and Yud Beis Tamuz. However, those who do not have an abundance of feelings of joy for this commemoration, are to recite it as usual. This follows the general custom of Chabad to recite Tachanun on days that commemorate the passing of a Tzadik, unlike Polisher Chassidim who omit Tachanun on the day of the passing of a Tzadik. Thus, in a minyan, seemingly the Chazan should recite Tachanun as usual, and those who feel a true abundance of joy may omit Tachanun and not say it together with the congregation. Nonetheless, they are to stand and say the 13 attributes of mercy together with the congregation, as is the law.
Explanation: The day of Chaiy Elul is omitted from Hayom Yom and Sefer Haminhagim as part of the list of days that Chabad Chassidim omit Tachanun, which would seem to imply that it is to be recited, and so was indeed the custom by the Rebbe’s minyan. Nonetheless, many Chassidim would omit Tachanun. Indeed, the Rebbe Rashab told his son the Rebbe Rayatz not to say Tachanun on this day. When the Rebbe was addressed this very question in 1988 as to whether Tachanun should be omitted on Chaiy Elul, the Rebbe responded that regarding matters dependent on feeling one is not to ask and if one is asking then it is a sign that the feeling is not there. [Obviously this refers to a true feeling of joy and not a feeling that simply comes as a result of reading this response.] Practically, this seems to imply as above, the matter is subject to each person on a personal and individual level, and no general directives can be given.
It goes without saying that the Rebbe’s directive was never intended to provide a blanket justification for omitting Tachanun. One may not refrain from saying Tachanun simply because he dislikes saying it, wishes to leave Shul earlier, or enjoys the feeling of belonging to the group of those who omit it. Likewise, one should not omit Tachanun in order to project an image of being more mekushar or more Chassidish than he truly is, nor due to peer pressure because others around him are not saying it. Rather, a Chassid is required to be honest and truthful with himself. If he genuinely experiences a profound feeling of joy on Chai Elul that justifies the omission of Tachanun, then he may do so. If he does not experience such a feeling, then he should recite Tachanun as usual, or work on internalizing the significance of the day until those feelings are genuinely present. Clearly, the intent of our Rabbeim was not that omitting Tachanun on Chai Elul become an automatic status quo devoid of feeling and meaning. On the contrary, the very fact that the Rebbe emphasized that this matter depends on one’s personal feeling indicates that the omission of Tachanun is only meaningful when it stems from a sincere and authentic inner appreciation of the day.
Sources: Sefer Hasichos 1943 p. 140; See Heichal Menachem Vol. 3 p. 47 for the Maaneh of the Rebbe; Hiskashrus 840; Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 21-22; See regarding the general custom of omitting Tachanun on a day on which a miracle took place: Lev Chaim 150; Kaf Hachaim 218/9; Tzitz Eliezer 10/10; Regarding saying the Yud Gimel Midos together with the Minyan, see: See Halef Lecha Shlomo 44; Tehila Ledavid 66:7; Sheivet Halevi 7:12; Igros Moshe 3:89; Yabia Omer 4:8; Piskeiy Teshuvos 131:9; See Sheivet Halevy 9:1; Kinyan Torah 4:9
Summary: Reciting Tachanun on Chaiy Elul
On Chaiy Elul, the custom regarding reciting Tachanun varies among Chabad Chassidim. If someone feels great joy commemorating the birthdays of the Alter Rebbe and Baal Shem Tov, it is acceptable to omit Tachanun, similar to other celebratory days in Chabad tradition. Others without this strong feeling should say Tachanun as usual. The practice is left to personal feeling, with no universal directive. In communal prayer, Tachanun is generally recited, but individuals who truly feel joy may omit it. The Rebbe’s guidance emphasized that the decision depends on genuine personal sentiment.