Pamphlet Etz HaChaim by the Rashab. A special publication of Kehat, 20th Cheshvan 1990, with an introduction by the Rayatz. At the beginning is a portrait of the Rashab and a facsimile of the Rayatz’s handwriting. Soft, yellow binding.
In advance of the 20th of Cheshvan, the 130th birthday of the Admor Rashab (1861-1991), the Rebbe ordered the printing of a special edition of the “Pamphlet Etz HaChaim” to be given out.
Wednesday, 19th Cheshvan 1991: “Today in the afternoon, it was announced that in the evening the Admor will give out the Pamphlet “EtzHaChaim” to everyone. The announcement aroused special interest because of everything related to Kaf Cheshvan. The Admor drove to the Ohel at 1:20pm, and returned at 5:50pm. In the meantime, a huge crowd gathered at 770 for minchah and maariv because of the prior announcement.
After arvit, at 6:20pm, the Admor descended from the bimah, next to the stairs, and stood next to a high cushioned table—he began to give out the pamphlet with a dollar attached for tzedakah, to everyone, men, women, and children. (There were some who asked for a blessing at the time, and he gave them). The printing was done in New Jersey, and the first truck arrived just as arvit was being completed. The second was a little late, and in the middle the pamphlets were exhausted. The Admor turned to the secretary and said something to him. A few seconds later the second truck arrived, though we had to wait a few seconds for the boxes to be taken down from the truck.
In the meantime, the Admor stood next to the table and looked to his left through the window of the Ezrat Nashim, waiting for the moment when he would be given the new boxes (which usually came from that area). It was completely quiet! Until, about a minute later, the first box came through the window. A few pamphlets were immediately put onto the table, and the Admor began giving them out again. (From Mazkeret Netzach, Chalukot Chabad).
