Mivtza Bayis Molei Seforim
The "Home Full of Books" Campaign ("Yevneh V'Chachamehah") is one of the ten campaigns initiated by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The campaign was announced in 1974 (5734), with the goal of encouraging every Jewish home to be filled with holy books.
Source
The concept of a "home full of books" originates in the Midrash, which discusses the claim of Korach against Moses, where it is stated that a house full of books requires a mezuzah. The Rebbe used this concept to announce the "Home Full of Books Campaign," aiming to transform every Jewish home into a sanctuary by ensuring that it contains, first and foremost, the foundational books of Judaism, along with as many other holy books as possible. This campaign is unique among the ten, as it is not a commandment and does not have a direct scriptural source.
Campaign History
During a gathering on Shabbat, Parshat Nasso in 1974, the Rebbe introduced this special campaign, an extension of the "Torah Campaign," emphasizing that every Jewish home should be filled with holy books and be active in Torah study.
The Rebbe clarified that the term "full" refers to filling the walls of the house with books wherever possible, but books should not be placed in bathrooms or in marital bedrooms.
The Rebbe emphasized that the purpose of acquiring these books is not just to collect them but to actively use and learn from them, not to store them away in a closed cabinet or behind glass.
Additionally, this directive aligns with the teaching of the Previous Rebbe (the Rebbe’s father-in-law) regarding three essential books: Kesser Shem Tov, Ohr Torah, and Tanya. The Previous Rebbe stressed that these books should not be bound together in one volume.
Related Developments
After the victory in the "books trial" (related to the distribution of Chabad books in the Soviet Union), the Rebbe published the book Derech Emunah by Rabbi Meir ben Gabai and instructed it to be sold at an affordable price for all. The Rebbe also taught from it during public gatherings. A year later, the Rebbe urged the community to utilize this auspicious time to increase Torah study, particularly in the Shulchan Aruch, as it marked the 500th anniversary of its printing.
Furthermore, the Rebbe instructed that people should acquire more holy books for their homes, public libraries, and especially for children. He also encouraged donations to the central library of Chabad Chassidim.
In 1992, the Rebbe expanded on this idea, urging that every Jew contribute to the redemption of the holy books still held in captivity in Russia by acquiring new holy books for their homes or libraries, adding to those they already possess.
Foundational Books
Over the years, the Rebbe emphasized the following books as essential in every Jewish home:
- Chumash (Five Books of Moses)
- Tehillim (Psalms)
- Siddur (Prayer Book)
- Books of Halacha (Jewish Law)
- Tanya
In certain talks, the Rebbe also mentioned the importance of having Mishnah or Gemara in the home.
| The Rebbe's Mivtzoim |
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| 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 · Ois B'sefer Torah · Hakhel · Moshiach · Yom Huledes · HaKolas Kehilos · Printing the Tanya · |
| V – T |