1. The Birthday of the Rashag
Rosh Chodesh Kislev marks several significant events in Chabad history. One notable occurrence is the birthday of Rabbi Shmaryahu Gourary, known by the acronym Rashag. We discussed a bit about him previously. The use of acronyms for names in Chabad is interesting—sometimes including the last name, sometimes just the first, perhaps for mystical reasons. Rashag was born on Rosh Chodesh Kislev and later became the son-in-law of the previous Rebbe. The previous Rebbe had three daughters: the eldest, Rebbetzin Chana (who married Rashag); the middle daughter, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (who married the Rebbe); and another daughter who, tragically, perished during the Holocaust along with her husband.
The Gourary family was well-known and wealthy. Rashag’s father, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gourary, was among the prominent chassidim—devoted followers—of the Rebbe Rashab. Rashag was educated in Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, which had been founded shortly before his birth. In 5681 (תרפ״א; 1920/21), he married in Russia and was appointed by his father-in-law, the previous Rebbe, as a leader within Chabad and head of Tomchei Temimim yeshivas.
2. The Events of 5738 (תשל״ח)
Rosh Chodesh Kislev is also remembered for a much more recent event in 5738 (תשל״ח; 1977). During that year’s Tishrei holidays—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, Shemini Atzeres, and especially Simchas Torah—thousands would come to be with the Rebbe. The atmosphere was electrifying: intense spiritual energy, camaraderie among chassidim, and an overwhelming sense of joy.
The Rebbe’s tireless devotion during these days was legendary. He would stand for hours before Rosh Hashanah, accepting notes for blessings and prayers; distribute lekach—honey cake—on Sukkos; and hold countless gatherings (farbrengens). As students at that time, we saw the Rebbe as superhuman—never tired or exhausted, always radiating endless energy and inspiration.
3. The Rebbe’s Health Crisis on Shemini Atzeres
The climax of that Tishrei came on Shemini Atzeres night. In Chabad custom, both Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah nights are celebrated with great joy. That year, a high platform was set up so all could see the Rebbe during hakafos—the dancing with Torah scrolls—and even dignitaries from Israel would sometimes attend.
No one expected anything but continued celebration when suddenly an announcement came: everyone needed to leave the shul because the Rebbe was not feeling well. It turned out that he had suffered a severe heart attack but insisted on finishing all seven hakafos. Afterwards, he was confined to his room as doctors—including specialists brought from Boston—attended to him using state-of-the-art equipment brought into 770 Eastern Parkway.
A debate arose whether to move the Rebbe to a hospital against his wishes (he had said everything could be done at 770). When he became unconscious briefly, they consulted Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka who affirmed following his wishes to remain at 770. This decision weighed heavily on those involved but reflected trust in both medical advice and spiritual guidance.
4. The Miraculous Recovery and Its Significance
The doctors monitored him closely while he recuperated in his room. Miraculously, before long, the Rebbe delivered a talk from his room via audio hookup to those gathered below—a momentous sign of recovery. Gradually he improved but remained confined until Rosh Chodesh Kislev—the day he finally returned home.
This return marked full recuperation according to Jewish law: only once someone has recovered do they recite Birkas Hagomel—a blessing thanking Hashem for deliverance from danger or illness—not while still unwell. Thus Rosh Chodesh Kislev became established as a day of celebration for this miracle.
The doctors advised slowing down activities but instead, from that point onward, the Rebbe intensified his leadership even further for many years to come.
5. Balancing Care for the Rebbe’s Health with His Mission
Occasionally when attempts were made to limit people’s access “for health reasons,” the Rebbe objected—insisting these interactions energized him rather than depleted him.
Differing attitudes existed among followers: some were reserved about approaching or writing to the Rebbe except for serious matters; others wrote frequently about every detail of their lives seeking blessing or guidance. The Rebbe cherished hearing good news—reports of successful outreach or positive influence—but also took every request seriously, praying for each person individually and often bringing their letters to pray at the Ohel (tziyun) of previous leaders.
6. Rosh Chodesh Kislev as a Day of Liberation and Shluchim Gathering
The celebration of Rosh Chodesh Kislev became akin to other “days of liberation” observed by earlier Chabad leaders after being freed from imprisonment—except here there was no physical prison but rather a health crisis interpreted as a spiritual challenge or decree from above regarding spreading too much chassidus. Just as earlier liberations were seen as heavenly approval to continue spreading Torah even more forcefully, so too did this recovery signal divine endorsement for expanding outreach efforts worldwide.
This day became especially meaningful for Chabad emissaries (shluchim). Every year around Rosh Chodesh Kislev thousands gather at headquarters in Crown Heights for an international convention—the highlight being when all shluchim are addressed collectively by (or about) their leader’s vision and mission.
The official roster now counts over 4,000 shluchim worldwide—though many more serve unofficially—reaching Jews everywhere from remote locations with little Jewish life to major centers of scholarship and spirituality alike.
7. The Enduring Message and Celebration Today
The work continues: bringing hope, inspiration, connection to Torah and chassidus, preparing ourselves and our world for Moshiach. This vision permeated all of the Rebbe’s teachings—from childhood dreams through decades of leadership—and remains our collective mission today.
The practical observance is straightforward: since Rosh Chodesh Kislev is itself a minor holiday (Rosh Chodesh) we already recite Hallel (songs of praise) and omit Tachanun (supplications), so its celebratory nature fits naturally into Jewish practice without liturgical complications.
This is why Rosh Chodesh Kislev stands out as both a personal holiday for our generation’s leader and an enduring source of inspiration across generations—a day marked by gratitude, rededication to purpose, and hope for ultimate redemption.