From Chapter Six of Rabbi Shloma Majeski ’s Likkutei Mekoros (Underlined text is the compiler’s emphasis)
Translated by Boruch Merkur
9. According to what was discussed above, our Rebbes and N’siim should be mentioned by name at the farbrengen of Rosh HaShana or the farbrengen following Rosh HaShana.
The intent here is not to mention their proper names but their names as Rebbeim and N’siim, names that underscore their avoda as leaders of the Jewish people: The Baal Shem Tov, the Rav HaMaggid, the Alter Rebbe, the Mitteler Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek,* the Rebbe Maharash (and perhaps mentioning the saying, “m’l’chat’chile aribber – from the outset we hurdle obstacles”), the Rebbe (Rashab) nishmaso Eden, and my revered father in law, the Rebbe, leader of the generation.
In addition, at the time of mentioning the names of our Rebbeim, we also have in mind their particular, proper names, as well as the meaning of their names (as explained and discussed on many occasions): The Baal Shem Tov – Yisroel, named after his reviving and revealing the “Yisroel” within all Jews (who are named Yisroel); the Mezritcher Maggid – Dovber, his name referring to the hamshacha (manifestation) of G-dliness, drawn down to even the lowest levels, to the level of “dov – bear,” an animal heavily covered with flesh (Kiddushin 72a and commentary of Rashi); the Alter Rebbe – Shneur Zalman, the revelation of “shnei or – two lights” (the revealed and esoteric dimensions of Torah) within time and space (see Likkutei Sichos Vol. 6, pg. 37 ff., where it is discussed.); the Mitteler Rebbe – Dovber, as said above regarding the Maggid, but with regard to the Mitteler Rebbe the hamshacha is connected with Chassidus Chabad, “rechovos ha’nahar – the expanse of the river”; the Tzemach Tzedek – Menachem Mendel, the name of Moshiach Tzidkeinu (see Sanhedrin 98b) and his monicker; the Rebbe Maharash – Shmuel, connected with the prophecy of Chana and the birth of Shmuel the prophet, including the conclusion [of the narrative], “And he will raise the horn of his anointed”; the Rebbe [Rashab] nishmaso Eden – Shalom Dovber, the hamshacha of shalom, (the) peace (of Torah in general, and the inner dimension of Torah in particular), to the lowest level, even to that of dov, a bear, heavily covered with flesh (including its Yiddish pronunciation “ber – bear”)**; and my revered father in-law – Yosef Yitzchok, named in accordance with the avoda of “G-d shall add to me another son” (a reference to the Divine service of t’shuva, repentance) and “all who hear will rejoice with me,” with laughter and joy.
NOTES:
*Footnote 103: Although this name (which is the name of his Torah work) is, of course, derived from the Gematria of his proper name “Menachem Mendel.”
**Footnote 110: There is a commonality here between drawing down G-dliness into the lowest levels and the Rebbe Rashab’s founding of Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim, for this yeshiva provides the power to transform delight in this physical world (the level of “a bear that is heavily covered with flesh”) into delight in a Mitzva. This harnessing of physicality for the sake of holiness is reminiscent of the Mitzvos of oneg Shabbos, enjoying delicacies on Shabbos, tender meat and fine wine, as well as the meat and wine enjoyed on Rosh HaShana.
(From the address of Shabbos Parshas Haazinu, Shabbos Shuva; Seifer HaSichos 5751, pg. 13-14)