"Chai Elul" – the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Elul; this year, Shabbat, Septeber 17, 2011 – is a most significant date on the Chassidic calendar. The founder of Chassidism, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, was born on this date in 1698. It is also the day, 36 years later, on which the Baal Shem Tov began to publicly disseminate his revolutionary teachings.
Elul 18 is also the birthday – in 1745 – of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. After gaining fame as a child prodigy and young Talmudic genius, Rabbi Schneur Zalman journeyed to Mezeritch to study under the tutelage of the Baal Shem Tov's successor, Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezeritch—and eventually established the "Chabad" branch of Chassidism, which emphasizes in-depth study and intense contemplation as the key to vitalizing the entire person, from sublime mind to practical deed.
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Chai Elul • Video of the Rebbe about Chai Elul • The Besh"t • The Alter Rebbe • Birthdays
