Mivtza Torah

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One of the Ten Campaigns initiated by the Rebbe, the Torah Campaign was announced in 1974 (5734), along with the Mezuzah Campaign, Tzedakah Campaign, House Full of Jewish Books Campaign, and Shabbos Candles Campaign (Neshek).

As part of this campaign, Chabad began promoting and encouraging Jews to add extra Torah study during any free moment, beyond the basic halachic obligation for every Jew to have one learning session in the morning and one in the evening.

History of the Campaign[edit | edit source]

In the farbrengen of 15 Shvat 5731 (1971), the Rebbe announced: "The time has come to 'conquer' the world through additional effort and increased vigor in Torah study." Three years later, this declaration became an official "campaign" - the Torah Campaign (in 5734/1974).

The Rebbe instructed activists to influence Jews to study Torah for at least a few moments each day. It was emphasized that the activists themselves should increase their own Torah study, particularly yeshiva students who should serve as living examples from whom others could learn how to study Torah. Additional instruction: Make an effort to memorize words of Torah that can be reviewed in various places and situations.

In letters sent to individuals around the time of the campaign announcement, the Rebbe encouraged them to increase their Torah study, noting that the Torah Campaign also applies to women, provided it doesn't affect their existing obligations, particularly regarding children's education.

As part of this campaign, Torah classes are held in Chabad Houses and Chabad communities as a central part of their activities. Many Chabad yeshivas conduct an annual 'Torah Campaign' which includes comprehensive tests on the entire Gemara tractate being studied in the yeshiva.

Between 5734-5793 (1974-1993), Tzeirei Agudas Chabad maintained a department that coordinated campaign activities.

In 5775 (2015), the department was re-established by Rabbi Yisroel Ashkenazi, and as part of the renewed activity, the "Chochmas Chaim" initiative was launched, enabling in-depth conversations around Torah values through discussion cards adapted for the general public.

Yagdil Torah Organization[edit | edit source]

The 'Yagdil Torah' organization was founded in 5768 (2008) by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Brod of Crown Heights in memory of his son 'Menachem Mendel' who passed away before age one. The institution's goal is for all Crown Heights residents to engage in Torah study. The organization conducts dozens of weekly shiurim in various languages, prints an 'Annual Learning Guide' listing all shiurim given throughout the year with their locations and times, distributes weekly learning sheets to all shuls, arranges evening chavrusah learning in the kollel, special shiurim for women, recorded phone shiurim, car CDs for those traveling to the Catskills, and more. On Rosh Chodesh Elul 5770 (2010), the institution inaugurated a Torah study location open daily from 6 AM to 12 AM on Empire Boulevard between Kingston and Brooklyn Avenues.

Strengthening the Campaign in Times of Trouble[edit | edit source]

Following an accident in which four prominent Anash were killed, the Rebbe said that particularly in places where undesirable events occurred, there should be increased engagement in all campaigns - Torah Campaign, Tefillin Campaign, Mezuzah Campaign, Tzedakah Campaign, House Full of Books Campaign - with even greater intensity.

All the campaigns provide protection and salvation, particularly the Torah Campaign, as Torah has a special quality. As explained at length in Tanya, mitzvos are "organs of the King" whereas Torah is "Torah and Hashem are completely one." Thus through learning Torah, we take Hashem Himself, providing even greater protection.

This includes Torah institutions as well. All educational institutions where Torah is learned should be strengthened - both permanent year-round institutions and summer educational programs (since these too, as Torah is learned there and Torah and Hashem are completely one, are also considered "permanent").

Further Reading[edit | edit source]

"When Torah Must be Learned There's No Wonder That the Greatest Miracles Occur" - An overview of the Torah Campaign in the 'Life of the Rebbe' section of Kfar Chabad weekly magazine, issue 1894, page 38.

The Rebbe's Mivtzoim
The Ten Mivtzoim
Tefillin · Torah · Mezuzah · Tzedakah · Bayis Molei Seforim · NeSHeK · Kashrus · Taharas Hamishpacha · Chinuch · Ahavas Yisroel
Various Mivtzoim
Mesibos Shabbos · Shofar · Lulav · Chanukah · Purim · Matzah · והשיב לב אבות על בנים · Lag BaOmer · Aseres Hadibros · אות בספר התורה לילדי ישראל · Ois B'sefer Torah Haklali . אות בספר תורה לחיילי צה"ל · Hakhel · Moshiach · Yom Huledes · הקהלת קהילות · הדפסת התניא · עידוד הילודה