A Magbis is an appeal to strengthen your connection with the Rebbe by financially supporting the Rebbe’s initiatives.
The act of giving, particularly in response to the Rebbe’s personal requests, is an opportunity to join the Rebbe on his sacred mission. It’s not just about the money itself, but about the bond it creates between the giver and the Rebbe, as well as the spiritual, emotional, and material benefits of contributing to charity.
Even today, the concept of the Magbis remains central to a Chasid’s relationship with the Rebbe and Chabad’s efforts worldwide.
The word “Magbis” is Hebrew for “appeal.” From the earliest days of Chabad, the Rebbeim appealed to their Chasidim to actively contribute to various causes, both for the needs of the community and for supporting the Rebbe's initiatives.
Originally, the term "Magbis" referred to a public collection of funds, where the Rebbe would announce a specific cause or initiative, and Chasidim would be asked to contribute.
This practice was in line with the broader Jewish tradition of tzedakah and was also seen as an opportunity to draw closer to the Rebbe and to spiritual growth. Magbis appeals were generally made on special occasions, usually during farbrengens, when the Rebbe would speak about the importance of charity, the specific cause, and the merit involved in supporting it.
With time, Magbis became a key vehicle for funding a variety of projects, from supporting Torah study and Chabad institutions to aiding the needy in the community and the wider Jewish world. It became customary to contribute to these Magbiyos (plural of Magbis) at specific times throughout the year.
The Rebbe would solicit the funds, often elaborating on the importance of these contributions, and would personally collect the funds, either through envelopes passed around at the farbrengen or via solicitation letters sent out across the globe. This allowed for worldwide participation, ensuring that even those who could not attend the farbrengen in person could still contribute to the cause.
Many of the Rebbe’s Magbiyos fall on Chasidic holidays and special occasions. Sign up to receive email or text reminders to respond to his appeals and contribute to the funds specifically attributed to that day.
