Why do the Hasidim go to the Rebbe for the holidays of Tishrei?
Community
The month of Tishrei in 770 is the spiritual center of the entire Hasidic world. Thousands of Hasidim leave their homes, work and usual comfort to meet the main holidays of the year next to the Rebbe. This is not just a journey, but a spiritual need: an opportunity to renew the soul, gain strength and receive blessings for the whole new year.Below are simple answers to the most important questions about this tradition.🧳Questions and answers about the trip to the Rebbe❓Why do Hasidim go to the Rebbe?💡 The main goal is to get closer to the Rebbe and strengthen the spiritual connection with him. Coming to his teacher, a person removes himself from the everyday bustle, streamlines his thoughts and receives a powerful charge of spiritual strength, which helps to overcome difficulties throughout the next year.❓Why is the month of Tishrei so important?💡 Tishrei is the beginning of a new year, the time when the fate of a person for the next twelve months is determined. Rosh Hashanah is translated as “head of the year”, and the head must be in the holy place. Throughout the month, 770,000 people pray, study the Rebbe's conversations, study together and, of course, say “lechaim.” All this gives a powerful spiritual impetus for the whole year.❓When else, besides Tishrei, do they go to the Rebbe?💡 The Hasidim also try to come on other special days: to the International Congress of Envoys of the Rebbe — Kinus ha-Shlukhim, which takes place at the end of autumn, to Yud Shvat, the holiday of Shavuot, when rabbis can leave their communities, as well as on 19 Kislev or on the occasion of important family events, such as bar mitzvahs.❓What do the Hasidim do during the trip?💡 The days are extremely busy. The main thing is to pray in synagogue 770, study, listen to the Rebbe's speeches and write personal letters asking for blessings and help.An important part of the stay is the Hasidic gatherings — the farbrangenes, during which niguns sing, say “lechaim” and take good decisions to change for the better.❓Do I need to prepare for my trip in advance?💡 Yes. The Rebbe taught that you cannot go on such a trip without preparation. They prepare for it spiritually: they study books on Hasidism, give it to the Tzedakah, and before leaving they gather together with their family or community in order to properly tune in.❓Are there any rules and restrictions?💡 Yes, there are several important conditions:No unsustainable debts.You cannot take out large loans without being able to repay them.Peace in the family.A married husband must obtain his wife's consent. Before leaving, it is customary to give her a beautiful gift — preferably gold jewelry — as a sign of gratitude for taking care of the house.Responsibility.The trip should not harm the family or create serious problems at work.❓What if I don't have money for a trip?💡 In communities, special funds are created and ticket draws are held to help those who cannot pay for the trip on their own. You can also use the funds of the charity tithe — maaseru, if they have been postponed in advance.The Rebbe noted that someone who helps another person raise money for a road trip, to some extent, also becomes a participant in this trip.❓What do I need to do as soon as I return?💡 It is necessary to "unpack the suitcases" not only at home, but also in your own soul. You can not leave everything experienced and felt on the plane. When you return, you should bring warmth, inspiration and good decisions into your daily life: become more attentive to loved ones, do more good and fill every day with content.📖A life story: why do you need this trip?One Hasidic mashpiyah explained the meaning of the trip with the help of a story about a poor Hasidic fisherman.The sea was constantly stormy, but the Hasidic fisherman every year, despite the lack of money, sailed to his Rebbe. Neighbors mocked:—Why spend money on the road if you have debts at home?Hasid replied:—All year round, I am afraid of drowning in the waves of life's problems. My sail breaks and my compass goes off course. A trip to the Rebbe is no fun. This is an opportunity to go to a quiet harbor where I can fix the boat, replace the sails and get fresh water for the whole next year. Without this, I simply will not survive. jerlot: 📖Lubavitcher calendar