@Rso, @CS,
Regarding picture at the bris:
I did say that it’s conceivable that people do it, bit it’s not Minhag Chabad. CS, because “some lady” decided to put one under your son, means nothing. The fact that you didn’t know yourself about it, only proves that not everyone does it.
@RSO,
Chabadpedia is some Meshichist site, has some good things, and a lot of nonsense. What the Rebbe did or didn’t tell someone in Yechidus, or even in a private letter, isn’t kovea Minhag Chabad. What I heard personally from one of the Gedolei Harabbanim in Lubavitch today is as follows:
1. Minhag Chabad is based on Sefer HaMinhagim, written in the early years by the Rebbe.
2. Any change to a Minhag, or creation of a Minhag, must have the following:
A. It must be a clear instruction from the Rebbe applying to this specific issue, to everyone.
B. It must be personally written by the Rebbe.
C. A non mughe (non edited by the Rebbe, but someone’s transcript) sicha of the Rebbe isn’t strong enough to change or create a Minhag.
D. If the Rebbe wanted us to do a certain thing, he would tell us clearly, not hint to it, or tell one individual.
(Heard from Rav L. Schapiro, I don’t take responsibility for 100% accuracy).
In general, Meshichistim and those so inclined, have more propensity for strange minhhagim with dubious sources, while “anti Meshichistim” try stick with what the Rebbe actually instructed us. A good case in point is Yom Tov Sheini for those visiting or learning in Chutz Laaretz or EY. (I won’t expound on this, if CS knows what I mean, good) Another, although not along the Meshichist – Non Meshichist divide, is the brocha on half hallel. (Again, CS, if you know what I’m referring to, good, if someone else wants to know, too bad)
Interestingly, when I was shown different places the Rebbe spoke about the picture of the Frierdiker Rebbe, (in different Kovtzim, ) many of the ones that CS quoted weren’t there, like the ones from someone’s Yechidus. In general, if the source of something is “Bais Moshiach Magazine” I’ll take it with more than just a grain of salt.