Editing Mivtza Aseres Hadibros

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One of the Rebbe's initiatives for spreading Judaism is Mivtza Aseres Hadibros. This campaign aims to ensure that Jewish children hear the Ten Commandments.

== History ==
Starting in 5740 (1980), the Rebbe began calling for "VeHeishiv Lev Avos Al Yedei Banim" (Returning the Hearts of Fathers Through Their Children) and initiated several activities in this direction, saying that the world was shaking and additional spiritual actions were needed to increase the merits of the Jewish people<ref>See the talks of Erev Chag HaPesach and the talk of Pesach Sheni 5740 (1980).</ref>.

On Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5740<ref>Which was established by the Rabbis as a day of partial fast.</ref> (1980), the Rebbe gave a special [[Sicha]] requesting that on Shavuot, boys and girls should come to synagogues to hear the Ten Commandments - "that all synagogues should be filled during the Torah reading of the Ten Commandments on Shavuot - with children..."

The Rebbe quoted the story that [[The Rebbe Rayatz|the Frierdiker Rebbe]] told about his childhood years, how the melamed called the cheder students on Erev Shavuot and told them "Children, come and I will lead you to Matan Torah," inviting them to come early on Shavuot to hear the reading of Matan Torah.

Although generally one should avoid bringing young children to shul so they don't disturb the kavana of prayer, the Rebbe said that regarding the reading of the Ten Commandments, not only would it not disturb, but on the contrary, bringing children would strengthen yirat Hashem and yirat HaTorah even among adults.

The Rebbe's instruction was for children from one month old and above<ref>As was the case with the sons of Levi who were counted from one month old and up.</ref>, and even younger children, provided it wouldn't harm their health<ref>Likkutei Sichos vol. 23, page 250. In the Shabbos Parshas Bamidbar talk, the Rebbe responded to those who questioned what benefit there is in bringing young children who don't understand what is being said, and mentioned in this connection the words of our Sages about Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananya that "fortunate is she who bore him" since his mother brought him while still in his cradle to hear the words of the sages in the beis midrash, even though he was at an age when young children don't understand what is being said.</ref>. The Rebbe repeated this instruction in subsequent years regarding bringing children, even newborns<ref>Hisvaaduyos 5744 vol. 3, page 1833. Likkutei Sichos vol. 28, page 315 and page 238. Hisvaaduyos 5743 vol. 3, page 1468. Sefer HaMaamarim Melukat vol. 3, maamar 'Anochi Hashem Elokecha' Erev Chag HaShavuos 5749 (1989). And more.</ref>.

The talk establishing this takana was exceptional partly because the Rebbe also spoke in Russian. The Rebbe repeated the instruction during the Shabbat Parshat Bamidbar talk, at a children's gathering held on Sunday 3 Sivan<ref>Then the Rebbe spoke again in the Russian language.</ref>, and at the farbrengen on the night before Erev Shavuot.

== Additional Reading ==

* Kuntres on "Mivtza Aseres Hadibros", 'Mafteach' Editorial and 'Mivtza Aseres Hadibros Committee', 5780 (2020)
* Mivtza Aseres Hadibros, in 'Chayei Rebbi' section Kfar Chabad weekly issue 1858 page 30
* Shneur Ashkenazi, "6-year-old Danny facing Avraham Avinu", How can small children be guarantors, and what should be done about it?, 'Neshama' Magazine Sivan 5780 (2020) page 6

== References ==
[[Category:Mivtzoim]]
[[Category: The Holiday of Shavuot]]
[[he:מבצע עשרת הדברות]]