The Lubavitch Library Exhibition August 25, 1994 - November 3, 1994 Exhibition Hall of the Library featuring artifacts and writings of the Chabad Rebbes throughout the generations, and gifts received by the Rebbe relating to the Mitzvah Campaigns (Mivtzoyim) that he initiated Published by Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad - Ohel Yosef Yitzchak - Lubavitch 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn N.Y. 5754 - 1994 Exhibition Committee Shalom Dovber Levine, Library Director Yitzchak Wilhelm, Head Librarian Avrohom Berns, Librarian Shalom Ya'akov Chazan, Publication Department Gavriel Schapiro, Publication Department Exhibition catalogue: Shalom Dovber Levine, Editor Avrohom Berns, Photography 18th of Elul, 5754 After many years of building the collection, organizing the Seforim, creating and computerizing the catalog, we are pleased to announce the opening of the library, with a unique exhibition of singular artifacts and writings of the Chabad Rebbes, from August 25, 1994 through November 3, 1994. Much of the library's collection has survived many locations, the fires in Lubavitch, Russia, confiscation by the Russian Communist regime, the Nazi conquest of Poland, and most recently, the famous court case that established this collection as belonging to Agudas Chassidei Chabad. The library currently consists of 200,000 Seforim, of which many are very rare, incunabula's (books produced before 1500 from movable type), and a collection of 3,000 manuscript volumes, many are hand written by the Chabad Rebbes. It includes hundreds of thousands of pages of printed and hand written manuscripts and an archive of thousands of invaluable items such as illustrations, keys to cities, honorary scrolls and medals sent to the Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson by the leaders of cities, nations and institutions. The Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerohn, started the collection in 5684 (1924) intending to eventually open it for scholarly research. Over the course of more then 60 years, the leaders of Chabad have devoted their energies to the building of this library that will henceforth be open to Talmudic scholars involved in the research of rare Seforim. This exhibition is open to the public interested in Torah and the history of Chabad Chassidim. The Rebbe disclosed plans to open the research library in his talk of 5 Teves 5748 (1987). Since the edifice had not yet been built, we asked the Rebbe if a limited collection should be opened in an existing space. The Rebbe replied: "It should be delayed, and opened in the course of time, when the library will have appropriate space." During the winter of 5750 (1990), we asked the Rebbe if an exhibition should be opened, and he answered: "The time is not appropriate for the above." Now that the building and its renovations are complete, the Seforim, manuscripts and archives are organized and catalogued, we believe this is a good and auspicious time to fulfill our obligation to open this library and exhibition. The Rebbe had written with regard to the Previous Rebbe's passing that: "We find ourselves shocked by the passing and it is difficult to respond to letters, but it is definite that the holy will of my father-in-law the Rebbe, was, and is at the present, that there should be no lack in any project that was under his leadership, and that all his followers should strengthen in greater measure in fulfilling their obligations and in the directives that he has instructed them to do." May we soon merit the fulfillment of the prophecy "They will arise and sing, those dwelling in the dust" with our Rebbe who will lead us to the Holy Land, together with this library and exhibition. Shalom Dovber Levine Library Director Display # 1 - Shabbos: Beginning in 1974 (5734), the Rebbe encouraged all Jewish women to light Shabbos and holiday candles, including girls from the age of three. Displayed here are various "leichter" (candelabrum) and brochures in many languages that were produced by Chabad centers the world over promoting this Mitzvah. Top shelf contains special projects related to Shabbos. Second shelf: Shabbos candlesticks, literature and posters utilized for public distribution. One poster shows a mother lighting candles prior to her daughter, in which the Rebbe's handwritten comment reads: "First, the candle lighting of the daughter." Third shelf: Unique Shabbos candlesticks. An engraving on one of the candlesticks reads: "From the Jewish women and daughters who disseminate the light of Shabbos candles, in honor of the day of liberation 12-13 Tammuz 5735. No. 245001. Fourth shelf: Kiddush and Havdalah, included: Drawing: print on paper, person reciting the Kiddush, illustrated with the letters of Kabbolas Shabbos prayer. Artist: Eliezer Moor. Art collection # 5247. A silver pitcher engraved with a dedication to the Rebbe from the Chabad community in Buffalo, 1975. Artifacts collection # 5905. A silver cup engraved with a dedication to the Rebbe from Rabbi Shlomo Goren, 1972. Artifacts collection # 5950. A saucer for Kiddush cup: engraved with a dedication to the Rebbe from Rabbi Yitzchok Caduri. Artifacts collection # 5972. A silver "train" which includes a Havdalah cup and a holder for the Havdalah candle, Shabbos and Chanukah candelabrum and a Tzedakah pushka. Craftsman: Nataff. Artifacts collection # 5901. A silver Havdalah spice box Artifacts collection # 5913. Illustration on the wall to the right of the display case (from left to right): Preparations for Shabbos: print on paper Artist: Michoel Muchnik Art collection # 5369. 2 posters: Shabbos candle lighting by a mother and her daughter. The Rebbe reads the Torah, as his mother kindles the Shabbos candles, on the background of the Machon Chana Women's Institute Oil on canvas Artist: Miriam Leah. Art collection # 5036. Havdalah: oil on canvas. Artist: Sara Mindel Art collection # 5306. Display # 2 - Yomim Tovim: The Rebbe initiated worldwide campaigns promoting holiday awareness. On Passover the Mivtza Matzah, to provide every Jewish person with hand baked Shmura Matzah. For the Yom Tov of Shavuos, the Rebbe encouraged all children to listen to the reading of the Ten Commandments. For Rosh HaShanah, the Mitzvah Tekias Shofar (the sounding of the Shofar, on campuses hospitals and institutions). For the Yom Tov of Sukkos, promoting the mitzvah of Lulav. Top shelf contains boxes for Matzah distribution, brochures in different languages and Haggadahs for children. Second shelf: Mivtza Shavuos, Brochures in several languages, Torah Scrolls for children. Also included: An aerial photograph of Mount Sinai, with a note written by the Rebbe: "Mt. Sinai" - Uri Sheni, Ashklon, summer 1966. photo collection # 5116. A stone from Mount Sinai, with attached handwritten note and on the note the Rebbe writes: "Adar Rishon, 5752" (1992). A silver shield for a Sefer Torah: Artifacts collection # 5934. A silver Torah pointer: Artifacts collection # 2926. Third shelf: Mivtza Tekias Shofar: Contains shofros, and honey for dipping the apple. Fourth Shelf: Mivtza Lulav: Esrog containers, in which Esrogim were sent to the Rebbe. Sukkos brochures. On the wall near the display case, are holiday posters relating to Passover, Shavuos, Rosh HaShanah and Sukkos; and also: illustration. New Years greetings to the Rebbe. Tishrei 1949 (5750). Art collection # 5070. Display #3 - Chanukah and Purim: Each Yom Tov has its Mivtza, on Chanukah going out with the Mitzvah of lighting Chanukah lights. Also, the Rebbe instituted the public menorah-lighting ceremonies. In recent years, satellite hook-ups televised simultaneous menorah-lighting ceremonies in major countries. The Rebbe's Purim campaign of hearing the Megillah and mishloach monos brought the joy of the holiday to countless Jews. Top shelf contains Megillahs, gragers, mishloach monos packets and brochures in many languages. Second shelf: Pictures and albums showing public Chanukah candle lightings. Chanukah "gelt" (money) that was distributed upon the Rebbe's directive. Third shelf: Illustrations of Chanukahs made by Chabad centers for public distribution. Fourth shelf: Unique Chanukahs that were presented to the Rebbe. Including: A Chanukah menorah made from wood. Artifacts collection # 5881. A Chanukah menorah made from wood with a dedication to the Rebbe, from Milan, Chanukah 5748 (1988). Artifacts collection # 5877. A metal Chanukah menorah from Acco, with a dedication to the Rebbe. Artifacts collection # 5887. A model of a Chanukah menorah on the background of 770. Artifacts collection # 5763. A metal sculpture. sculptor: Erna Weill. Artifacts collection # 5760. On the wall over the display, is a picture of a jewish man reading the Megillah. Water paint on paper. Artist: Raymond Amouyal. Art collection # 5332 Display # 4 - Mivtzoyim: The Rebbe promoted the mitzvos of Tefillin, Mezuzah, Kashrus, Family Purity, Torah and Chinuch, Lag B'Omer parades etc. Top shelf: Keys of the Mitzvah Tanks of various cities presented to the Rebbe, and a picture of the Tank parade in New York. Featured cities/states: Northern Israel Miami France Exhibit 27 Milan London Bologna Second shelf: The symbols and uniform of the soldiers in "Tzivos Hashem", brochures and booklets on the 12 verses for children. Third shelf: Mivtza Mezuzah: Various mezuzah covers made for public distribution, or to promote this Mivtza. Fourth shelf: Symbols of the Rebbe's Mivtzoyim and brochures, Including: Passover Seder: A Matzoh cover with the Mivtzoyim illustrated in silver, dedicated to the Rebbe from his emissaries in California. 11th of Nissan 1976 (5736). Artifacts collection # 5941. A silver case for Tefillin, engraved with the Mivtzoyim. Dedicated to the Rebbe from the Chabad Community in Buffalo. Artifacts collection # 5933. On the wall (from right to left): 11 Mivtzoyim symbols. From Tzirei Agudas Chabad in Toronto. Artifacts collection # 5233. The Mivtzoyim in honor of the Rebbe's 80th year: Engraved on metal sheet. Big letter "Peh" (for the occasion of his 80th birthday) engraved with names of the Mivtzoyim. New York 1982 (5742). Craftswoman: Chana Sharf. Art collection # 5030. The Chabad Rebbes and the Mivtzoyim: print on paper. Artist: Schuster. Art collection # 5014. A symbol of Tzivos Hashem: Beis Chabad, Recife, Brazil. The Rebbe and the Mivtzoyim: picture in glass. Artist: David Pesso. Craftsman: Amichi Jebli. Art collection # 5021. Exhibit 36 The key, picture and sponsors of a Mitzvah tank that was sent to Israel, 1976 (5736). Artifacts collection # 5296. A container, with items related to the Mivtzoyim in California, dedicated to the Rebbe with the number of people who were effected by the Mivtzoyim. Artifacts collection # 5327. A painting of the Rebbe motioning with his hand to encourage the Mivtzoyim. oil on canvas. Artist: Mrs. Gorman. Art collection # 5005. An illustration of the Mivtzoyim with a dedication to the Rebbe on the occasion of his 80th birthday. oil on canvas. Artist: L. Krief. Art collection # 5122. Display # 5 - Tzedakah: The Rebbe encouraged that every Jewish home, should have a pushka (tzedakah box) in the kitchen, and every child's room. Pushkas in different forms were created, including special models in the form of 770 or Tefillin, etc. Top shelf: Tzedakah pushkas in the 770 design: One, in silver, is engraved with a dedication to the Rebbe by Neshei Chabad of Crown Heights. Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5752 Craftsman: Hirsh Pekkar. Artifacts collection # 5928. Second Shelf: Special Tzedakah pushkas in various forms. Third shelf: Contains Tzedakah pushkas in different forms for mass distribution. Fourth shelf: Tzedakah pushkas for institutions. Display # 6 - Chabad House: The Rebbe sent thousands of emissaries all over the world to establish Chabad Houses, to spread the wellsprings of Judaism and Chassidus. Displayed here, are some keys and models of various Chabad Houses. Top shelf: A selection of keys from some Chabad Houses in the United States: Buffalo, N.Y. Tampa, Florida. New Orleans, Louisiana. S. Paul, Minnesota. Austin, Texas. El Paso, Texas. Rochester, N.Y. Second shelf: A selection of keys from some Chabad Houses in Israel: Kfar Chabad. Eilat. Third shelf: A selection of keys from Chabad Houses around the world: Paris, France. S. Paulo, Brazil. Montreal, Canada. Montpellier, France. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recife, Brazil. Manchester, England. London, England. Casablanca, Morocco. Fourth shelf: Models and pictures: Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sinai, Paris. Buenos Aires, Argentina. On the Display table near the south wall are three models of Chabad Centers: Tzefat. Sinai, Paris Netanya. Display # 7 - Keys and plaques: In addition to the ceremonial keys of Chabad Houses, city officials, military generals and directors of institutions sent the Rebbe keys, plaques and honorary scrolls in honor of the work of his emissaries in their communities. On many occasions, government officials or mayors would proclaim the Rebbe's birthday as "Education Day" in honor of the Rebbe's tireless effort for education. Top shelf: Keys and medals from various cities in Israel. Rishon Ltzion Lod Bnai Brak Jerusalem Tzefat. Ramle Ramat Gan Eilat Tel Aviv Second shelf: Keys and medals from the Israeli army, presented to the Rebbe as an expression of thanks for his help, advice and encouragement. Third shelf: Keys and medals from cities in the U.S. The President of the U.S. Los Angeles S. Diego S. Francisco Detroit New Haven New York Fourth shelf: Keys and medals from countries and cities around the world. Toronto S. Paulo, Brazil Quebec Milano Canada To the left of the display: Scroll of honor signed by the President of the United States and members of the Senate and Congress. Display # 8 - Redemption and Moshiach: The Rebbe would stress the importance of yearning for Moshiach in almost every talk throughout his leadership. Various projects of "yearning for redemption" were presented to the Rebbe, such as tambourines symbolizing those used by Miriam the prophetess and righteous women during the exodus from Egypt. The 12 stones of the Choshen, based on the Midrash Talpiot, By Rabbi H. Chitrik. Artifacts collection # 5923. An illustration of the Beth HaMikdash, with the song "Adir Yivneh Baiso". Ink on parchment. Art collection # 5797. On the wall hanging are illustrations (from right to left): Beth HaMikdash, Rug. Craftsman: Boruch Nachshon. Art collection # 5190. Beth HaMikdash. print on paper. Proclamation: The redemption, and the Beth HaMikdash on clouds. Art collection # 5335. Water-paint on paper. Moshiach standing on the roof of the Beth HaMikdash announcing the redemption. Artist: Rifka Friedman. Art collection # 5360. print on plastic. Poster: yearning for the redemption. Poster's collection # 5078. A poster: "Prepare for Moshiach's arrival" (in French). Jerusalem and the Beth HaMikdash. print on paper. An aerial view of Old Jerusalem, juxtaposed with illustration of the Beth HaMikdash. Art collection # 5270. print on paper. An excerpt of the Rambam relating to Moshiach. Poster collection # 5221. print on paper. Song on the preparation for Moshiach around a drawing of a crown. Poet: Rivka Ma'atuf. Graphics: M.N. Art collection # 5225. A clock with a Tzedakah box, proclaiming "prepare for Moshiach". How the world will look with Moshiach consisting of 380,000 letters. copy. painting Artist: Michel Schwartz. The painting was made upon the Rebbe's request. To the left of display case is a model of the Beth HaMikdash. Craftsman: Ofer Nadav. Display # 9 - Lubavitch Library: Display of rare Seforim and manuscripts: A page from the first print of Rashi (Reggio Kalabria, dated 1475 (5235)), earliest dated Hebrew Sefer. A page from the Babylonian Talmud's first print (in Spain, approx. 1482 (5242)). A page of the Babylonian Talmud's first print in Italy (in the year 1484 (5244)). A manuscript page of the Babylonian Talmud with Rashi's commentary, prior to the first Hebrew print (approx. 1470 (5230). Manuscript's archive #1702. A page of the Babylonian Talmud on parchment. Manuscript's archive # 1701. From the Single Page collection: Three illustrations of what the Third Beth HaMikdash will look like: An illustration by the Gaon of Vilna (printed in Berlin). Note at the bottom of the page: Exhibit 103 Zu haben in Berlin im Bureau fur Literatur und Kunst. An illustration by The Gaon of Vilna (printed in Vilna). An illustration by Rabbi J.O.Z. Margolius (printed in Jerusalem). Display # 10 - The Baal Shem Tov: A hand written Siddur that was used by the Baal Shem Tov, in which his students wrote their names for the Baal Shem Tov to remember them in his prayers Manuscripts archive # 1994. On the open page is a reminder to pray for a prominent student of the Besht, Horav Yechiel Michl of Zlotshev and his family, and for several other students of the Besht. The manuscript of the Sefer "Shivchei Ha'Baal Shem Tov", prior to its print. Manuscripts archive # 1203. The Sefer "Shivchei Ha'Baal Shem Tov" printed from the above manuscript. The first print of the Sefer Keser Shem Tov (Zolkovo, 1794 (5554)). Medallion's that were made in the Baal Shem Tov's honor. Artifacts collection # 5616-5619. The Maggid of Mezeritch The first print of the Sefer Maggid Dvorov L'ya'akov (Koretz, 1781 (5541)). Rebbe Schneur Zalman of Liadi: A picture of his Tefillin. The first print of his Shulchan Aruch (Kopust, 1814 (5574)). The first print of the Tanya (Slavita, 1796 (5557)). A handwritten letter. Letters archive # 4000, 7. Printed in his Igros Kodesh, Vol. 1 #32. Display # 11 - Rebbe Dovber: The cases of his Tefillin. Contributed by Professor Sir Isaiah Berlin, inheritor. A page from one of his handwritten discourses. Manuscripts archive # 1194. The first print of the Sefer Imrai Binah (Kopust, 1821 (5581)). Rebbe Menachem Mendel the "Tzemach Tzedek": The Tanach from which he recited the Haftorah. On the opened page, a handwritten comment on the Haftorah of Parshas Shemini: The Haftorah concludes here, according to the Rambam. In the handwriting of Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak: "From the books of my grandfather the Tzemach Tzedek, from which he used to recite the Haftorah." The Siddur from which the Tzemach Tzedek prayed. This Siddur was held by the Chabad Rebbes during Tekias Shofar and at the Pesach Seder table. In the handwriting of Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak: "The Siddur of my grandfather the Tzemach Tzedek. My father, [the Rebbe Rashab], of blessed memory, would hold the Siddur before the Shofar blowing and during the reciting of the Haggadah." A page from a volume of his handwritten discourses. Manuscripts archive # 1122. A handwritten letter: Letters archive # 4000, 19. Printed in Igros Kodesh, Vol. 1 #10. A copy of the first print of the "Tzemach Tzedek" (Vilna, 1871 (5631). Display # 12 - Rebbe Shmuel: Handwritten letters. letters archive #4000, 27 Printed in his Igros Kodesh, letters 6*-7. A page from one volume of his handwritten discourses. Manuscripts archive # 1108. The Sefer "Pardes Rimonim" which he purchased during the lifetime of the "Tzemach Tzedek", with his signature, and handwritten comment; "it was purchased for 2 ruble and 25 kopkas." The Chumash Shemos stamped with his name. The Sefer Likkutei Torah, on three Torah portions, with his commentaries (Vilna, 1884 (5644)). Rebbe Sholom Dovber: The Sefer "Padres Rimonim" with his handwritten commentaries. On the opened page the Previous Rebbe writes, "It seems that here my father stopped writing. About 10 days before his passing I noticed him writing on the pages of this sefer." A letter to the public that he printed (Kerensky period) Iyar, 1917 (5677). Printed in his Igros Kodesh Vol. 2 #469. A handwritten letter. Letters archive # 4003. Printed in his Igros Kodesh Vol. 3 #569. A page from one of his handwritten discourses. Manuscript's archive # 1109. A discourse in mimeograph form, made in Russia. Manuscript's archive # 840. Display # 13 - Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak: His "spodik" (shtreimel-hat) Artifacts collection # 6136. The Newspaper "Otwoczker Tzeitung" which reports on the Previous Rebbe's stay in Otwoczk, Tishrei 1930 (5691). A page from his journal in which he would write responses to letters received, from which the secretary would transcribe the response. Manuscripts archive # 4042 A pencil, with description by the secretary Rabbi Nissan Mindel: "This pencil the Rebbe used for many years until his histalkus on Yud Shvat 1950." Artifacts archive # 6135 His fathers discourse (dated 1910) in his handwriting. Manuscripts archive # 1110 A discourse in mimeograph form, made in Russia. Manuscript's archive # 841. The Rebbe: A Sicha from the Previous Rebbe said during the Rebbe's Sheva Berochos written by the Rebbe. A letter in the Rebbe's handwriting written to his father-in-law Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak. The first print of the Haggadah with the Rebbe's compilation of sources and customs. (New York, 1946). The first print of the HaYom Yom (New York, 1943). A photograph taken on his 3rd birthday (before his first haircut) Exhibit 147 Reb Levi Yitzchok - Father of the Rebbe The Zohar with his handwritten commentaries on the page. Illustrations of the Chabad Rebbes (from right to left) The candelabra of Chassidus. The leaders of the General Chassidus and Chassidus Chabad, their dates of birth and passing, handwritten by the Previous Rebbe after the passing of his father the Rebbe Rashab, 2nd of Nissan 1920 (5680). The original in Letters archive # 4046. The Alter Rebbe, Rebbe Schneur Zalman of Liadi. Artist: Yaakov Lipschutz. Oil on canvas. Art collection # 5044. The "Tzemach Tzedek". Artist: Yaakov Lipschutz. Oil on canvas. Art collection # 5045. Rebbe Sholom Dovber. Artist: Yaakov Lipschutz. Oil on Canvas. Art collection # 5046. Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak. Artist: Liora Nitsan. Oil on canvas. Art collection # 5057. The Rebbe. Oil on canvas. Artist: A.K. Tiefenbrun. Art collection # 5001. The Rebbe. wood cut. Craftswoman: G. Greenberg. Art collection # 5029. The Leaders of Chabad. print on paper. Artist: Elie Benzaquen. Art collection # 5370. The Rebbe. On the background of a picture of the Chabad Leaders. print on paper. Artist: Bibi Sigalit Ashvil. Art collection # 5373. By the entrance, on the eastern wall of the bridge: The Rebbe. knitted. Rug's collection # 5191. On the South wall: A Torah Crown. The Rebbe placing the crown on "Moshiach's Sefer Torah", 10th of Shvat 1970 (5730). Oil on canvas. Artist: Ben Harosh. Art collection # 5019. Near the exit, on south wall: "L'shana Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim Ha'bnuyah", Jerusalem and the Beth HaMikdash. Water paint on paper. Artist: Malla Art collection # 5034. Addendum: A Shabbos candlestick of Rebbetzin Menucha Rochel Slonim, which she received from her grandfather, Rebbe Schneur Zalman. Given to the Rebbe by her grandson, Rabbi Moshe Shlomo Slonim. The key to the Miteler Rebbe's "Ohel" in Niezin. A Portrait of the "Tzemach Tzedek". Print from portrait with note by the Previous Rebbe: I received this picture as a gift from my grandmother Rebbetzin Rivka, who said that this picture was more accurate than the others. I received this gift in the winter of 1898, Lubavitch. A Portfolio from the Rebbe Shmuel (maharash), with note by the Previous Rebbe: Received this portfolio from the estate of my grandfather the Rebbe Maharash which I received from my grandmother the Rebbetzin Rivka in the winter of 1888. Passport of rebbe Sholom Dovber (Maharshab). A picture of the Previous Rebbe sitting on the porch adjacent to the exhibition hall. (The Rebbe also would sit here during the period of illness.) A manuscript in which the Rebbe authorizes the building of the library "as a member of the directors of the Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad, Ohel ˛Yosef Yitzchak Lubavitch."