Observed by Chabad Frequency annual | Date 1 Kislev | |
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Official name Hebrew: ראש חודש כסלו Significance Recovery of the seventh Rebbe of Chabad Hasidism, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson from a heart attack | ||
Rosh Chodesh Kislev, the 1st day of the month of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, is a holiday celebrated by the Chabad Hasidic movement. The day marks the recovery of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Rebbe of Chabad, from a heart attack in 1977.
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History
On Tuesday, October 4, 1977 (Tishrei 22, 5738), during the annual hakafot celebration of Shemini Atzeret, the Jewish holiday following the festival of Sukkot, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson suddenly turned pale and sat down. Realizing that something was not right, chassidim began vacating the synagogue and doctors were summoned. When a medic who was at the synagogue offered Schneerson a drink of water, he refused saying that he first wanted to complete the hakafot ceremony and make kiddush. Once the ceremony was completed, Schneerson walked to the Sukka where he made kidush on a cup of wine. It was only when the doctors began checking his pulse and vitals that they realized he had suffered a major heart attack. Per his request, Rabbi Menachem Mendel was treated at his office over the course of the next several weeks. On Friday, November 11, 1977 (Kislev 1, 5738), Rabbi Schneerson returned home; the day was celebrated by the Chabad community as a holiday.
Celebrations
Rosh Chodesh Kislev is celebrated each year by Chabad Hasidim and is typically marked by public gatherings ("farbrengens") and song.
Kinus Hashluchim
The annual convention of Chabad emissaries is held around Rosh Chodesh Kislev.