The Rebbe Rashab, Rabbi Sholom Dovber of Lubavitch, was the fifth Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch Chasidic court. He often would deliver a series of Chasidic discourses (maamarim), centered around a common theme that threaded through the many discourses. In these “series,” each discourse would build upon the ideas of the previous ones, developing a coherent and deeply explained concept over time. Such a series of maamarim is known as a “hemshech” (lit. Continuation).

In the year 5666, the Rebbe Rashab delivered one such hemshech. An extensive Chasidic treatise, presented in 61 discourses, that took well over two years to complete. It is a particularly intense treatise, incorporating core concepts and principles of Chabad Chasidus in an organized manner, as it tackles basic human questions such as what is the purpose of creation, what is man’s Divine mission upon earth, what is accomplished through performing Mitzvos, and the great Divine revelation of the messianic era.

The hemshech opens with the words Yom Tov Shel (of) Rosh Hashanah and the Hebrew spelling for the year 5666 is Tof Reish Samach Vov; utilizing the opening words of the hemshech and the final two words of the year, this series came to be known as Yom Tov Shel Rosh Hashanah, Samach Vov. Or more fondly as simply “Samach Vov.”

Despite the significance of this discourse, it was never translated into English and remained largely inaccessible for those who are not fluent in Hebrew and in Chasidic linguistics - until now. Rabbi Yehuda Fenton, with the oversight and guidance of Kehot Publication Society, has undertaken this mission, beginning with the first nine discourses of this seminal work (which form a distinct theme, within the larger theme of the treatise) into English. We thank them for allowing us to share this work with you.

This discourse will be available only here on the Chayenu website, where we will upload another Daf (=both sides of the page) every week. There will be introductions, flows and summaries for easier learning. Additionally, there will be a clarification of general definition and terms used in the maamar, there will be a “fact box” that will include some factual background to important ideas that are mentioned, and essay style exploration of some of the ideas that are being discussed in the discourse.

Through studying this Hemshech your knowledge of Chassidus will broaden and your will enhance and expand your personal Avodah (Divine service), while gaining much-needed clarity and perspective to navigate through life in our oft time complicated world.