Hemshech

Hemshech is a term in Chabad Chassidism referring to a series of chassidic discourses (maamarim) that were delivered or written consecutively over a period of time, built as a continuous sequence so that each discourse is connected to - and continues from - the discourse before it.

The first Hemshech delivered by the Rebbes was "Hemshech VeHecherim 5631" by the Rebbe Maharash, who later established the concept of 'Hemshech' by delivering the Hemshech "VeKacha," also known as the Great Hemshech or VeKacha HaGadol, which was delivered in the year 5637 [1871-1872].

The Concept of Hemshech

Generally, the delivery of a chassidic discourse, also called "Dach" (Divrei Elokim Chaim - Words of the Living G-d), would occur on Shabbat or Yom Tov and holidays. Most are built upon a "Dibbur Hamaschil" - an opening verse or a saying of our Sages connected to that time period. The discourse would raise questions about the verse and explain it, with each discourse being a topic on its own. However, the innovation of a "Hemshech" is that it follows not the order of time but rather the subject matter being explained, sometimes continuing for weeks, months, or even years.

The Hemshechs in Chabad Chassidism are a significant and important part of the teachings of chassidic discourses, and are studied with great depth and concentration.

The delivery of Hemshechs by the Rebbe Rashab was dependent on and connected to the condition of the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Lubavitch, since the main people involved in studying Chassidus were the yeshiva students - the Tmimim. This can be seen from the fact that the first Hemshech was delivered a year and a half after the establishment of the yeshiva, and the last one ended in the years when the yeshiva in Lubavitch was closed due to World War I.

Conclusion of a Hemshech

Already at the conclusion of the first Hemshech in the history of Chassidism in 5631 (1871), the event was celebrated in a rare manner. The Rebbe Maharash called his son, the Rebbe Rashab, and instructed him to bring a bottle of mashke (spirits) and said to him, "Let us rejoice, you and I," and spoke with him for an hour or two about matters of Chassidus in his private room.

Similarly, at the conclusion of the famous Hemshech of the Rebbe Rashab, "Hemshech Yom Tov Shel Rosh Hashanah 5666," he called his son, the Rebbe Rayatz, and instructed him to bring a bottle of Benedictine and told him about the above-mentioned event with his father.

Famous Series of Discourses

The most famous series of discourses in Chassidus were delivered by the Rebbe Rashab, and were specially intended for the Temimim students. Their delivery began only after the opening of the yeshiva, and some of them continued for nearly four consecutive years. The other maamarim (discourses) continued over shorter periods.

Among the famous series:

Admu"r Maharash:

• Hemshech VeHecherim - 5631 (1871).
• Hemshech VeKacha HaGadol - 5637 (1877).

Admu"r Rashab:

• Hemshech Ha'umnam - 5643 (1883).
• Hemshech Yom Tov Shel Rosh Hashanah - 5659 (1899).
• Hemshech Yom Tov Shel Rosh Hashanah - 5666 (1906).
• Hemshech BeShaa SheHikdimu - 5672 (1912).

Admu"r Rayatz:

• Hemshech Rosh Hashanah - 5703 (1943).
• Hemshech Basi LeGani - 5710 (1950).

The Rebbe:

• Hemshech Maamarei Chodesh Tishrei - 5723 (1963), which were edited and printed in 5751 (1991), and later in Sefer HaMaamarim Melukat volume 5.
• Hemshech "Natata L'Yereicha" - 5736 (1976). Three maamarim, delivered on the days of redemption: 12 Tammuz, 13 Tammuz, and 15 Tammuz. They were edited and printed as one integrated maamar in 5746 (1986), and later in Sefer HaMaamarim Melukat volume 1.