1. The Rebbe’s Ufruf and Its Significance
The 11th day of Kislev in the year 5689 (תרפ״ט), corresponding to [UNCLEAR: November 30th, 1928], is marked in Yemei Chabad—Chabad historical dates—as the Shabbos of the Rebbe’s ufruf—the Shabbos when a groom receives an aliyah to the Torah before his wedding. This was in honor of the upcoming marriage of the Rebbe to the Rebbetzin, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, daughter of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. The event took place on Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei, and it was on this occasion that the Rebbe received his aliyah, a moment arranged by his future father-in-law, the previous Rebbe.
Following the aliyah, there was a large gathering, a joyful farbrengen—Chassidic gathering—where the previous Rebbe spoke with great happiness. In keeping with Chabad tradition, part of these celebrations included delivering a maamar—a Chassidic discourse—which began with special words relevant to the occasion. This practice of sharing a maamar at significant family events is a hallmark of Chabad celebrations.
2. The Setting: Riga and Family Circumstances
At this time, the Rebbe was living in Riga, Latvia. This followed the departure of the previous Rebbe from Russia due to political pressures and restrictions. The family relocated together to Riga, but notably, the Rebbe’s own parents were unable to leave Russia because of governmental restrictions and other difficulties. As a result, they could not participate in either the ufruf or the wedding itself.
This separation was deeply felt by all involved and is often mentioned in accounts of these events. Despite their absence physically, the Rebbe’s parents remained closely connected through correspondence and spiritual support during these important milestones.
3. The Letter from the Rebbe’s Father
In anticipation of his son’s marriage, the Rebbe received a letter from his father before Shabbos. In this letter, his father wrote about the upcoming aliyah for Shabbos Vayeitzei and gave specific instructions regarding what should be done during this special occasion.
The letter advised that after receiving the aliyah, a misheberach—a special blessing—should be recited. Typically, such blessings are accompanied by giving charity as a merit for success. The father instructed that their names—his own and his wife’s—should be mentioned explicitly as those who are giving charity for their son’s success in marriage.
4. Instructions for Blessings and Communication
The father emphasized that during this misheberach after the aliyah, it should be stated that charity has been given on behalf of their son for his success in marriage. He requested that both parents’ names be included according to traditional custom: mentioning each parent as “son/daughter of” their respective parents.
Additionally, he asked that after Shabbos, his son should send him a telegram—the fastest means of communication at that time—to inform him about receiving the aliyah and all related details. Later on, he also requested that everything be written out fully in a letter so he could know all that transpired during this significant event.