The Ten Mivtzoim
The Ten Mivtzoim are ten commandments that the Rebbe chose to emphasize and promote in order to awaken the people. This is the reason the name 'Mivtza' (campaign) was chosen, indicating a departure from routine.
Background
From the very beginning of his leadership, the Rebbe passionately engaged in spreading Judaism and the wellsprings of Chassidus, inscribing the motto 'Ufaratzta' on his banner.
In continuation of this, the Rebbe initiated these special 'Mivtzoim' (campaigns) to awaken Jews to perform practical commandments, with the idea that 'one mitzvah leads to another mitzvah,' as a result of the great awakening that the Rebbe inspired.
These campaigns were carefully chosen by him, being 'general commandments' that should be observed with greater meticulousness and urgency than any other commandment, because the observance of these commandments by every Jew is more relevant to each individual Jew and to the entire Jewish people as a whole.
In one of the letters, the Rebbe connected the Ten Campaigns with what is written in Seforim, that the second letters of the names of the patriarchs Avraham, Yitzchok, and Yaakov (אברהם יצחק ויעקב) spell 'בצע,' which is related to the Ten Campaigns. The Rebbe explained that the main focus of these campaigns is the practical aspect, as it matches the root 'בצע,' which signifies conclusion and completion.
Stages of Foundation
The first campaign was 'Mivtza Tefillin,' which the Rebbe announced prior to the Six-Day War in 1967 (5727), as a spiritual merit for the salvation of the Jews in the Holy Land.
In the year 1971 (5731), the Rebbe announced 'Mivtza Torah.'
In the year 1974 (5734), the Rebbe announced the campaigns: 'Mivtza Mezuzah,' 'Mivtza Tzedakah,' 'Mivtza Bayis Molei Seforim,' 'Mivtza Neiros Shabbos Kodesh,'
In the year 1975 (5735), the Rebbe announced the campaigns: 'Mivtza Kashrus,' 'Mivtza Taharas Hamishpacha.'
In the year 1976 (5736), the Rebbe announced the campaigns: 'Mivtza Chinuch,' 'Mivtza Ahavas Yisroel and Achdus Yisroel.'
From then until the mid-'80s, in most gatherings, the Rebbe listed the Ten Mivtzoim. Later, the Mivtza of 'אות בספר תורה' was also added.