Translated & Annotated by:   Rabbi Ari Solish, Rabbi Avraham D. Vaisfiche 

Prior to delivering the discourse Lecha Dodi at the wedding of his daughter, Rebbetzin Chaya Moussia, in 1928, Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneersohn of Lubavitch related that at a wedding, the souls of the bride’s and groom’s ancestors descend from their heavenly abodes and join in the celebration. He then added that the discourse contains teachings of their ancestors, each of the previous Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbes. By repeating their teachings, the Rebbe explained, he was in effect extending an “invitation” for them to participate at the wedding. 

This is the basis for the Chabad-Lubavitch custom that the groom recites the discourse at the Kabbalat Panim reception.   

In 1953, his son-in-law and successor, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, delivered an expository discourse on his father-in-law’s discourse beginning with the same verse, Lecha Dodi. Twenty five years later, in honor of his fiftieth wedding anniversary, he edited and published this discourse. Subsequently, this discourse has been recited by many at their wedding, also as a symbolic invitation to the Rebbe (and the previous Rebbes) to participate in the wedding celebration.   

The present publication of these discourses will surely be of great benefit to those wishing to gain greater insight into the fundamental concepts articulated in these wedding treatises.