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On 15 Sivan, 5687 (1927), the Soviet authorities arrested the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (the Frierdiker Rebbe), for his courageous efforts to preserve Jewish life and Torah observance throughout the Soviet Union.

The arrest was intended to silence Judaism. Instead, it became one of the greatest demonstrations of Jewish resilience in modern history.

Refusing to yield to threats, intimidation, and imprisonment, the Frierdiker Rebbe continued his sacred mission with unwavering faith and determination. His subsequent liberation marked not only a personal victory, but a triumph for Torah and Jewish continuity everywhere.

Each year, Chassidim reflect upon the profound lessons of these historic events. Significantly, the Rebbe chose to mark this period by publishing and editing a series of Chassidic discourses that illuminate the deeper spiritual dimensions of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s self-sacrifice and the eternal mission of the Jewish people.

Three Years, Three Maamarim

Over the years, the Rebbe certified and edited three maamarim that were later published in special booklets in honor of 15 Sivan:

Rani VeSimchi (5727)

Published in Kuntres 15 Sivan 5750 (1990), this discourse explores the themes of joy, redemption, and the future revelation of G-dliness. It reveals how exile itself prepares the world for a greater revelation and how genuine joy serves as a catalyst for redemption.

Behaaloscha Es HaNeiros (5729)

Published in Kuntres 15 Sivan 5751 (1991), this maamar examines the symbolism of the Menorah and its seven lamps. The Menorah represents Knesses Yisrael—the collective soul of the Jewish people—while its seven lamps correspond to the various paths through which Jews serve G-d. Though diverse in expression, all are united by a single Divine source.

Behaaloscha Es HaNeiros (5734)

Published in Kuntres 15 Sivan 5749 (1989), this discourse further develops the theme of the seven lamps, revealing how every soul possesses a unique mission and how the illumination of each individual contributes to the ultimate revelation that will accompany the Redemption.

Together, these maamarim present a powerful message: unity within diversity, the transformative power of spiritual illumination, and the preparation of the world for the revelations of the future.

Bringing the Maamarim to Life

In a special three-year learning initiative, Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz of Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida dedicated a series of in-depth classes to these three maamarim, enabling students around the world to study the Rebbe’s edited teachings and appreciate their timeless relevance.

These classes are available online:

Rani VeSimchi (5727)
Kuntres 15 Sivan 5750

Behaaloscha Es HaNeiros (5729)
Kuntres 15 Sivan 5751

Behaaloscha Es HaNeiros (5734)
Kuntres 15 Sivan 5749

A Timeless Lesson

The story of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s imprisonment is not merely a chapter in Jewish history. It is an enduring reminder that spiritual truth cannot be imprisoned and that the light of Torah can never be extinguished.

The Rebbe’s decision to highlight these maamarim in connection with 15 Sivan teaches that the response to darkness is illumination; the response to oppression is deeper commitment; and the response to exile is preparation for redemption.

As we commemorate the beginning of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s imprisonment, may the study of these profound teachings strengthen our own commitment to Torah and mitzvos, inspire us to illuminate our surroundings, and hasten the fulfillment of the ultimate redemption with the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days.

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