Didan Notzach

The source of the words are from the following Midrash:

A Talmudic sage was once approached by a good spirit which guarded the local river. It told the sage that an unholy spirit intended to take control of the river, and make trouble for the Jews who came to use it. The good spirit instructed the sage: “Gather all the local Jews. When the evil spirit approaches, I will alert you. All the assembled should then stand in its path and shout: ‘Didan Notzach – Victory is ours!’” When the Jews did this a drop of blood appeared on the face of the water, illustrating their victory over the evil spirit.

In 5745 (1985), a trial began over the ownership of the Rebbe’s seforim and, essentially, the status of the Rebbe. The words “Didan Notzach” were then added to an old Chabad tune, expressing the trust and desire for the return of the holy books to their rightful place and, more broadly, the “victory” of all things holy.

Reb Sholom Halevi Brochshtat also composed a tune to these words.

As Luach Colel Chabad states, Hey Teves is the the date of Didan Notzach. On this date in 5747 (1987) the federal court vindicated the claim lodged by Agudas Chassidei Chabad with regard to the Frierdiker Rebbe’s library. The Rebbe declared the date to be an auspicious day for all generations to come. The Rebbe also called on us to add to and expand the library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad Lubavitch.